FC Barcelona played against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League on November 28th in the Spotify Camp Nou in which they won 2-1. A familiar face in Pepe came back to face his old rivals Barcelona in the UCL. Pepe and Barca have a long-lasting history among themselves.
Pepe used to play for Real Madrid alongside Sergio Ramos where they won many glorious trophies. During the match against Barca, Pepe was whistled because of his Real Madrid past, this was somewhat normal for him as he has endured it over a long period with Madrid.
Pepe has lost 10 times against Barcelona in his career, no other team have won more games against the Portuguese. pic.twitter.com/HzzoOMmwug
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 28, 2023
Not only that, an interesting stat posted by @BarcaUniversal on X (formerly Twitter) was that “Pepe has lost 10 times against Barcelona in his career, no other team has won more games against the Portuguese.” Pepe has been an astute center-back all his career, his will to win and hard-working nature made him one of the best CBs back in his time but against Barca, it seems to fade off.
Pepe joined Porto as his career was coming to an end, he is playing in the league where it all began for him. A player like him comes once in a lifetime and fans should enjoy every moment of Pepe while he is enjoying himself on the ground.
Pepe becomes the 5th oldest player in the history of the UEFA Champions League
Barcelona overcame a 2-1 deficit to advance to the Champions League knockout stages. Manager Xavi called this victory “an important step” for the team. Returning to Camp Noe was Pepe an old enemy who played for Real Madrid.
“Today we are very happy, it’s an important step in the project, and it’s very positive for the club,” Xavi told reporters. “It’s important, the team has grown, we beat a really good team, and it’s a day to be very content and satisfied,” he added.
🎥 Joao Cancelo vs Porto
✍️ @XDcomps
— Barça Spaces (@BarcaSpaces) November 28, 2023
Pepe became the 5th oldest player in the history of the UEFA Champions League on November 28th during the match against Barcelona. He is one of the most decorated soccer players to grace this beautiful sport and has an illustrious career to his name.
FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!! #BarçaPorto pic.twitter.com/CC1dzLAL2X
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 28, 2023
However, he saw his team lose to a quality Barcelona side in the UCL. To make sure Xavi Hernandez’s team would not suffer a humiliating group stage exit, as they had in the previous two seasons, the former Benfica duo Jao Felix and Jao Cancelo struck against their old club’s rivals FC Porto.
It remains to be seen what happens to Pepe and his current club FC Porto in the UCL and in this ongoing season. Additionally, all eyes will be on Pepe once this season ends, as his retirement from the sport edges closer as each day passes by.