Playing against bottom-placed Almeria at the Estadio del Mediterraneo on Thursday night, Barcelona were clear favourites to extend their lead over Girona to four points and claim on second place in the league standings.
Fermin Lopez’s early goal gave the Catalans the perfect start against Pepe Mel’s side, but the energy soon fizzled out. Barcelona were dominant in possession, but their play was largely lethargic and uninspired.
Not much changed in the second half, but Fermin Lopez’s second goal of the night gifted the team a comfortable cushion. The team’s play even moderately livened up after Xavi’s substitutions after the hour mark.
Eventually, Barcelona held onto the two-goal cushion and took home all three points, moving to 79 points with two games to go.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from the team’s win over Almeria.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 8/10
The Barcelona goalkeeper was significantly busier than one would have fathomed as he was forced into three saves in the first half alone including two from inside the box. Did well to stand his ground and maintain a clean sheet on the night.
An all-round showing from the make-shift right-back once more as he held his ground defensively and also made good contributions in the final third. Yamal’s dominance on the flank, too, allowed him to concentrate more on his role.
Pau Cubarsi: 7/10
A much improved performance from Cubarsi who was not at his best in the last game against Real Sociedad. Did not have a whole lot of defensive work to do and did make mistakes, yet, he managed to hold the clean sheet.
Inigo Martinez: 7.5/10
Dominant in aerial duels and calm in defence, Martinez was the better of Barcelona’s two central defenders on the night. Had a key role to play in initiating the buildup for Barcelona’s first goal.
Hector Fort: 8/10
The youngster received a rare start at left-back against Almeria and did not allow the opportunity to slip from his hands. Did superbly to assist Barcelona’s opening goal with a cut-back and accurate cross and did not have a whole lot to do defensively.
Sergi Roberto: 7.5/10
The captain slotted in as Barcelona’s pivot at the Power Horse Stadium and did well to hold the fortress. Assisted the team’s second goal with a well-controlled cross into the Almeria box to find Fermin Lopez. Was relatively safe with his distribution and steady in possession.
Pedri: 7/10
Pedri was instrumental in creating a massive chance up front for Barcelona with a well-worked ball that fell to Robert Lewandowski. He was regularly involved in the buildup and dictated the rhythm of Barcelona’s play on the night but was still visibly far from his best.
Fermin Lopez: 9/10
The constant goal-threatening machine that he is, Lopez was once again one of the team’s most dangerous players with his vertical runs. Timed his run to perfection to get onto the end of Fort’s ball in the 14th minute when he found the back of the net.
The youngster then completed his brace with a well-timed strike past Luis Maximiano in the 67th minute. Recorded three key passes, and completed 100% of his dribbles and 94% of his passes against Almeria.
Lamine Yamal: 8/10
Dancing down the right flank, Yamal shone once more as he was one of Barcelona’s bigger threats in attack. Was unlucky to hit the woodwork once recorded a stunning three key passes and completed two dribbles on the night.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.5/10
The Polish striker, as he did at the weekend, played significantly deeper in the field and attempted to break the lines with his distribution. While he did have his contributions in the game, not enough came in the position he started the game for.
Ferran Torres: 6.5/10
Not the Spaniard’s best showing in the Blaugrana colours, especially considering how difficult he has found it to see minutes in the second half of the season. Managed no shots on target, no accurate crosses and just two key passes on the night.
Andreas Christensen: 6.5/10
Came on to replace Roberto who was struggling after a clash on the field and dished out one of his standard pivot routines.
Joao Felix: 6.5/10
Comfortable on the ball and with his distribution against Almeria after coming on but failed to create much threat on goal. Hit the side netting on one occasion.
Vitor Roque: 6/10
The youngster came on as an unexpected substitute at the Power Horse Stadium and recorded one shot on target.
Joao Cancelo: 6/10
Replaced Hector Fort for the final 20 minutes and did not have a whole lot of defensive work to cover.
