The Catalan derby, just as expected, provided an explosive spectacle. The encounter fed up a lot of drama and the bust-ups even continued after the final whistle.
Just as expected Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique, was at the center of most of the controversies which transpired during and after proceedings.
The 31-year-old center-back had a target mark on his back even long before the game commenced, with his recent "Espanyol de Cornella" jibe being the main reason.
However, despite provocations by the players and the jeers from the host’s fans throughout the game, Pique grabbed a vital late equalizer in the Catalonia derby to ensure that spoils were shared.
The Blaugrana player further went on to fuel the resentments coming from the home spectators by resorting to the “shush” celebration.
82: Equaliser from @3gerardpique !!!!! 1-1 in the RCDE Stadium! #EspanyolBarça pic.twitter.com/XzoAngKB43
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 4, 2018
Speaking in his post-match interview, Pique asserted: "My gesture? Disrespect is to denounce me for saying 'Espanyol of Cornellà' and not to denounce their fans for insulting my family.
"After all they have done, silencing them was the least I could do," he added.
His headed goal safeguarded Barcelona’s unbeaten campaign this season, while ensuring that they equaled the 22 games unbeaten record set in 2009/10.
The draw in the derby also means that the point difference still remains 12 between the league leaders and second-placed Atletico Madrid and 19 between their eternal nemesis Real Madrid.
