'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
During Barcelona's third win in four fixtures against their bitter rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last night, Gerard Pique was caught gesturing at the home crowd on a couple of occasions.
In case you didn't know...
Real Madrid's last night defeat against their hated rivals Barcelona will almost draw the curtains on their domestic campaign, La Liga. Los Blancos were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey semi-finals by the Blaugrana in the same week and last night's 1-0 loss saw them without a win against their arch rivals in this current 2018/19 season.
Despite having more shots on goal and dominating proceedings of the match at times, a majestic chip from Ivan Rakitic into Real Madrid's goal saw Los Blancos get further behind the title leaders. Pique had one of his best matches of the season as he blocked everything thrown at him from Real Madrid and he helped his side secure another clean sheet.
Real Madrid are now 12 points behind Barcelona and their only hopes will be stacked on the Champions League again. Moreover, Real Madrid are yet to register a win over their rivals at Santiago Bernabeu since their 3-1 win under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti.
The heart of the matter
It goes without saying that Gerard Pique is not one of those favoured by Real Madrid community.
Extremely vocal about Real Madrid, the 32-year-old defender never shied away from criticizing Los Blancos over the years and recently slammed them over complaints regarding refereeing. As a result, Pique has been often subjected to offensive chants from Madridistas in the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Spanish media outlet, Marca, Gerard Pique was seen making a gesture towards Real Madrid fans during the half time. During his walk into the tunnel, Pique made a 'talking gesture' with his hand.
What's next?
Following the crucial defeat, Real Madrid will focus on their Champions League campaign as they host Ajax midweek.
On the other hand, Barcelona will face Girona in the Catalan Cup final before facing Rayo in the La Liga and Lyon in the Champions League.
