Barcelona has taken a big step towards qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League courtesy of a 3-1 win over Olympiacos at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, despite being forced to play more than half of the match with 10 men.
It was one-way traffic from the first whistle in Catalonia, but an own goal from Dimitrios Nikolaou was all they had to show for their dominance before Pique was given his marching orders three minutes before half time.
Second-half strikes from Lionel Messi – his 100th in European competition – and Lucas Digne were enough for Barcelona to maintain their 100% record in Group D, although a late consolation from Nikolaou did see Olympiacos breach the hosts’ defence for the first time in this season’s tournament.
Ernesto Valverde’s side were ahead moments later, though, as the lively Gerard Deulofeu volleyed a cross into the box which was sliced into his own net by 19-year-old defender Dimitrios Nikolaou.
Barcelona were back on the front foot seconds later, though, and Messi was denied by Proto from the right side of the area as his search for a 100th European goal went on.
It was Messi that finally gave the home side a two-goal cushion, though, bringing up his century of goals in European competition in style with a 25-yard free kick which Proto could not keep out despite getting a hand to it.
Valverde’s side are now six clear of third place, though, and could seal a place in the last 16 for the 14th season in a row should results go their way when they meet Olympiacos again in a fortnight’s time.
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