a convinient "injury" so Pep doesn't have to admit he's resting him so he doesn't get suspended for the Clasico.
I saw the clip of CR mugging him with the cutback. amazed Piqué fell for it given his history of staying on his feet vs. CR (and that's why he's always played him so well) but frankly the entire Spain team have been phoning it in since the World Cup. Ramos was nowhere to be seen, ditto Busquets on the cover. Xabi did a piss-poor job closing CR down (as did Puyol) and he got that glorious chip away.
Del Bosque really dropped the ball in not allowing Puyol to retire (and, indeed, encouraging Joan to retire also). the team needs fresh blood and impetus, and two new defenders would have done the trick. ideally you put Ramos at CB (where he's much better) and then you can have Azpilicueta and Monreal as the fullbacks.
but whatevs.
it's funny to me how, at the start of every season he's had with us, people have cussed Piqué (first it was "not good enough" and then it was "not as good as last year"). he starts slower than most but he always plays well when it matters and usually hits his best form during the run-in.