Fermin 9, Yamal 8 – Almeria 0-2 Barcelona: Player Ratings

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.

Jules Kounde: 7/10

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.

Barcelona player ratings vs. Almeria: A win made in La Masia! Fermin Lopez brilliance sees Blaugrana tighten grip on second place

The 21-year-old scored twice in a slightly uneasy victory for Xavi’s side against La Liga’s bottom side.

A Fermin Lopez saved an otherwise languid Barcelona, as the Catalonians sealed a win to all-but secure a second-placed finish in La Liga. The Blaugrana were poor for long stretches, but timely goals from the academy graduate set up a 2-0 victory.

Barca’s opener was made in La Masia. Hector Fort, in for the inconsistent Joao Cancelo, whipped a cross to the back post, which Lopez dutifully nodded home.

Xavi’s side were hardly secure in their led, though. Pau Cubarsi was called on to make a number of last-ditch tackles, while a better effort from Leo Baptistao in a one-on-one would have given the home side an equaliser. Adrian Embarba followed his effort by cracking a shot off the post on the stroke of half time. The Blaugrana fortune continued after the break. Anthony Lozano opened the second half by missing a sitter.

And they were made to pay, with Lopez making an impact again. The Barca youth product darted into the box to meet a Sergi Roberto cross in stride to double the Blaugrana advantage.

It was an otherwise comfortable night for Xavi’s side, who have admittedly little to play for at this point.

GOAL rates Barcelona’s players from the Estadio Mediterraneo…

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):

Made a couple of impressive stops in the first half. Was lucky that Almeria missed a lot. A very strange clean sheet to keep.

Jules Kounde (8/10):

Impressive at the back; made his challenges and won his duels. Much better going forward, too, creating a handful of chances. Looked tired after an hour.

Pau Cubarsi (8/10):

Threw in some impressive – if rather reckless – tackles. Played some outrageous – if rather risky – passes.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Given another look, and turned in a mixed showing. His far younger partner looked more comfortable.

Hector Fort (7/10):

Played a wonderful cross to set up the opener, and was steady throughout. Probably deserves more minutes going forward.

Fermin Lopez Barcelona Almeria

Midfield

Sergi Roberto (6/10):

Can’t be faulted for his effort, but didn’t hold down the middle very effectively. Looked much better when going forward, and produced a nice assist for Lopez.

Pedri (5/10):

Floated around, played some lovely passes, but was rather lackadaisical on the ball at times. Not the kind of shift you’d expect from a player who will want to start at Euro 2024 for Spain.

Fermin Lopez (8/10):

Took the opening goal well. Made the second look even better. Wasn’t on the ball a lot, but he patrolled space with aplomb.

Lamine Yamal Barcelona Almeria

Attack

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Did some outrageous things with the ball, and was a threat – as usual. His impact waned as the game wore on, though.

Robert Lewandowski (5/10):

Had three shots, but none of them were particularly clear. Puzzling that he started; Barca have nothing to play for here.

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Didn’t do much to take advantage of the opportunity afforded to him on the left. Better off the bench.

Xavi Barcelona 2023-24

Subs & Manager

Joao Felix (4/10):

Given 30 minutes to impress. Missed an easy chance and was overall disappointing.

Andreas Christensen (5/10):

Held down the centre and kept it simple.

Vitor Roque (5/10):

Surprising that he’s alive. Ran a lot, got booked, looked generally frustrated.

Joao Cancelo (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Oriol Romeu (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (7/10):

Rotated a bit, giving Fort a look, and also offering chances to Torres and Lopez. Barca were really leaky for some stretches, but scored some good goals and will take the win.

Fermin 8.5, Fort 7.5 | Almeria 0-2 Barcelona: Player ratings

Despite a rather stale performance, FC Barcelona emerged victorious against Almeria. A 2-0 scoreline is ultimately what gave Barça all three points, and they will be happy to take those away. Ultimately, Xavi’s Barcelona maintain a good four-point lead over Girona now, and that is what matters most for them.

The hero of the hour, however, was Fermin Lopez this time around. Almost every chance that came his way looked promising, and he delivered with the goods to make sure that Barcelona eventually came out on top with relative ease.

Here are the player ratings for FC Barcelona players.

Player Ratings:

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 7.0

The goalkeeper’s distribution was solid and he made sure to make a few important saves in there as well. However, he was frequently let down by his teammates in allowing Almeria some clear-cut opportunities to harm Barcelona.

Hector Fort: 7.5

Given a chance to start instead of Joao Cancelo as the left-back tonight, and Hector Fort made sure to make his mark. He was the one to dispatch the fine cross that reached the head of Fermin Lopez to open the scoring for Barcelona, and he was there to keep track of his defensive work as well.

Inigo Martinez: 6.0

Not his best outing, but a decent one nonetheless. There were a couple of moments where Inigo Martinez was caught lacking by the Almeria forwards, and it could have ended quite badly for Barcelona had fortune not favored them.

Pau Cubarsi: 6.5

Pau Cubarsi, unlike Martinez, seemed to be much more focused than his veteran partner. The youngster was vigilant and active at all times, and this enabled him to dispatch some impressive passes to his teammates at the other end of the field.

Jules Kounde: 7.0

The most reliable defender for Barcelona on the night, Jules Kounde was present across the entire field. Whether in attack or defense, the relentless fullback found himself wherever his Barcelona teammates needed him to be and gave all his support.

Sergi Roberto: 7.0

Given a start by Xavi Hernandez, the veteran Spaniard did well by himself. His distribution was solid, and he had some good ideas that were brought to life by his progressive passing. Solid outing for him.

Pedri: 6.5

The young Spaniard was the one orchestrating almost every positive move for Barcelona, and he was the one ensuring that the Catalan giants redistributed possession in the most effective and efficient of ways.

Fermin Lopez: 8.5

Dynamic as always, but also one step ahead of everyone on the field, Fermin Lopez continues to thrive as an attacking midfielder. Two great finishes from the youngster that even top strikers would envy, Lopez had quite the sensational outing once more.

Ferran Torres: 6.0

Similar to most of the Barcelona forwards tonight, Ferran Torres was hardly influential. Despite making some good runs and having some solid linkup plays with his teammates, the Spaniard was ultimately ineffective against Almeria.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.0

Another underwhelming outing from Robert Lewandowski leaves him without a goal to his name. While his holdup play was still decent and led to some positive forward play, the Polish striker was hardly found in any dangerous positions to threaten the Almeria goal.

Lamine Yamal: 7.0

The only starting forward who looked to be creating and thriving in his position, Lamine Yamal looked as dangerous as always. Despite not having the same level of success in front of goal or in terms of creating opportunities for his teammates as he would have liked, the youngster was still there to be a headache for Almeria.

Substitutes:

Joao Felix: 6.5

Keen to execute some of his more flashy ideas and hopes, Joao Felix added a new spark to the Barcelona attack that was otherwise quite dull to watch, especially on the left-hand side.

Andreas Christensen: 6.0

Brought some much-needed stability and control in the middle of the pitch.

Vitor Roque: N/A

Not enough influence on the game to warrant a rating.

Joao Cancelo: 6.0

Quite progressive whenever he had the ball, Joao Cancelo added a certain positivity to the Barcelona attacks after his introduction.

Oriol Romeu: N/A

 

Injured Barcelona defender may not feature again this season, aiming for Copa America – report

Barcelona announced the squad travelling to Estadio del Mediterraneo to face Almeria earlier today and the list featured one notable absentee – Ronald Araujo.

Xavi spoke about the Uruguayan international’s situation in his pre-game press conference yesterday, admitting that the defender was still struggling for fitness.

“Araujo is still injured and tomorrow we will decide, there will be one [rotation] per line,” he said.

The squad list, needless to say, clears the air around the defender’s participation later today, but Javi Miguel reveals that the damage may be far greater.

End of his season?

As reported by the Spanish journalist, Araujo has been suffering from discomfort in the patellar tendon of his right knee for several weeks now and has participated by fighting through the pain.

His situation now, however, is seen with concern and has thus forced the management to give the player much-needed rest.

While Araujo missed the team’s clash last weekend and will not play today either, the report adds that he could well have played his final game for Barcelona this season. As it stands, he aims to return for the Copa America this summer.

Uncertain future

Barcelona have only three games remaining in La Liga, and the Uruguayan’s absence will thus not be a very major blow to Xavi’s plans.

One must remember, however, that Araujo’s future at the Catalan capital is uncertain and that he could, to some possibility, have played his final minutes as a Barcelona player.

As revealed earlier this week, Barcelona are in constant touch with the defender’s entourage to respond to the contract renewal proposal that has been sent. Notably, the new terms include a pay raise as well.

With Bayern Munich keeping close tabs on the player and the Catalans in dire need of a big sale, however, nothing is certain about the captain’s future.

Xavi to start promising 17-year-old defender as Barcelona face Almeria

After Girona fell to Villarreal in their last league encounter, FC Barcelona now have a clear path to finishing second in La Liga, and thus meet one of the revised objectives for this season, which will also guarantee them a spot in the next edition of the Spanish Super Cup.

In fact, the Catalans can ensure their second spot finish if they win their upcoming match against Almeria, which is scheduled to take place tonight.

But, despite this importance of the match, Xavi is planning to field a significantly changed side for this game, especially keeping in view the high number of minutes that most of the starters have played this season.

According to SPORT, one of these changes are expected to be on the left flank, where Xavi can rest Joao Cancelo and play the youngster Hector Fort in his stead.

While the 17-year-old has been training with the first team for several months now, this will be the first time that he makes an appearance since April 13 when he played in the match against Cadiz.

He had also played in the match against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, as Cancelo was not available for either of these two matches because of a suspension and a family emergency.

Fort took his opportunities nicely, and played at a level good enough to gain Xavi’s confidence. His importance in Xavi’s plans is going to enhance next season, as he will practically be a first-team player available to play on both flanks, while still having a reserve team number.

Furthermore, the club’s confidence in the player is also displayed by the fact that the Catalans are already negotiating with his agents to improve on his current contract, which goes till 2025 and has a release clause of only €10 million. He will turn 18 years of age in August, and thus will be able to sign a long-term contract with Barcelona.

Almeria vs Barcelona: Preview, predictions and lineups

Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Thursday night as they travel to bottom-of-the table Almeria.

2023/24 has been a campaign of tumult for the Catalans, who endured a miserable title defence and have already relinquished their crown to Clasico rivals Real Madrid. Thus, their primary objective with three league games remaining is to hold off surprise package Girona for second spot.

Barca were beaten by their Catalonian rivals for the second time this season at the start of May, but a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Monday night means they hold a point advantage over Girona having played a game less.

Xavi’s side almost succumbed to their most embarrassing result of the season in the reverse fixture as Almeria twice drew level at the Montjuic in December, but Sergi Roberto’s second-half brace ensured Barca escaped with all three points.

Almeria were consigned to the drop in April and have won just two La Liga games all season – one of which arrived on 5 May away at Rayo Vallecano.

Here’s 90min’s preview of the game.

What time does Almeria vs Barcelona kick-off?

  • Location: Almeria, Spain
  • Stadium: Power Horse Stadium
  • Date: Thursday 16 May
  • Kick-off Time: 20:30 BST / 15:30 ET / 12:30 PT
  • Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
  • VAR: Santiago Jaime Latre

  • Almeria vs Barcelona H2H record (Last Five Games)

    • Almeria: 1 win
    • Barcelona: 4 wins
    • Draws: 0
    1. Last meeting: Barcelona 3-2 Almeria (20 December 2023) – La Liga

Current form (all competitions)

Almeria

Barcelona

Real Betis 3-2 Almeria – 12/05/24

Barcelona 2-0 Real Sociedad – 13/05/24

Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Almeria – 05/05/24

Girona 4-2 Barcelona – 04/05/24

Almeria 1-3 Getafe – 27/04/24

Barcelona 4-2 Valencia – 29/04/24

Almeria 1-2 Villarreal – 21/04/24

Real Madrid 3-2 – 21/04/24

Real Sociedad 2-2 Almeria – 14/04/24

Barcelona 1-4 PSG – 16/04/24

How to watch Almeria vs Barcelona on TV and live stream

Country

TV channel/live stream

United Kingdom

Premier Sports 1, LaLigaTV, Premier Sports Player

United States

ESPN+, ESPN Deportes

Canada

TSN+

Almeria team news

Largie Ramazani is once again suspended for Barcelona’s visit, with Almeria also set to be without injured pair Aleksandar Radovanovic and Iddrisu Baba.

Radovanovic is dealing with a thigh injury.

Almeria predicted lineup vs Barcelona

Almeria predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-3-3): Maximiano; Pubill, Chumi, Gonzalez, Centelles; Robertone, Pena, Vieira; Baptistao, Lozano, Embarba.

Barcelona team news

Ilkay Gundogan
The quick turnaround from Monday night’s game means we should see a few changes to Xavi’s XI in Almeria.

The Spaniard won’t be able to call upon the suspended Ilkay Gundogan, with Fermin Lopez the most likely to replace the German international.

Ronald Araujo should also come back into the side and replace Inigo Martinez at the heart of defence. Young Hector Fort could get a start at left-back.

The visitors are without Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Alejandro Balde.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Almeria

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Almeria (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Fort; Christensen, Pedri, Lopez; Ferran, Lewandowski, Felix.

Almeria vs Barcelona score prediction

Almeria gave Barcelona a scare in the reverse fixture, and their recent outings suggest they’ll make a good fist of it on Thursday night. They’re playing without pressure – they’re just not very good.

It’s been another rollercoaster for the visitors in the wake of Xavi’s U-turn, and perhaps more drama will unfold in this one. Anything but a win and questions will once again be raised of the manager.

Xavi will likely rotate for this fixture given the swift turnaround, but it’s hard to predict anything but a Barcelona win.

Prediction: Almeria 1-3 Barc

Xavi talks Roque, Araujo, Pedri, Real Madrid, transfers ahead of Almeria vs Barcelona

Barcelona return to action in La Liga on Thursday night as competition takes one final acceleration before the conclusion of the season.

Having returned to second place with a win over Real Sociedad over the weekend, the Blaugranas can extend their lead over Girona to four points tomorrow as Michel’s side dropped three points to Villarreal last night.

Playing against 20th-placed Almeria on match day 35, moreover, Barcelona are the clear favourite to take home three points.

Speaking to the media ahead of Barcelona’s midweek clash, Xavi spoke at length about his team’s current form, the transfer window that lies ahead and the current financial situation.

He began, however, by commenting on the objective that lay ahead of them at Estadio del Mediterraneo and insisting that Almeria were not as poor as the league standings reflected.

“They deserve more points than they have. They are now free from pressure after the confirmation of their relegation.”

“They will play quietly with nothing to lose with quality players who know how to play well against big teams. They are not in a bad time. The result depends on us,” he added.

He then went on to reveal why tomorrow’s result was so critical for the Catalans.

“Tomorrow’s match is the target of minimums, for prestige and an economic issue.”

On his players

Xavi was first quizzed about Vitor Roque’s situation in the dressing room, the youngster’s lack of minutes and his future at the club.

“There is no debate. He is developing. There are players ahead [on the pecking order] and that’s why he plays less. This has happened all my life.”

Commenting on his decision to field rotations in the team’s last game, the manager said,

“We were fine but there was fatigue. Araujo is still injured and tomorrow we will decide, there will be one per line. Gündogan will be unavailable through suspension.”

“Ronald knows what I think, today I have talked to him, in a sincere way and he knows what I want and hope for his future. He is happy here,” he added on Araujo’s future.

When asked about whether Pedri would start on the night and an update on the Canary Islander’s situation, Xavi called the midfielder a difference-maker.

“It depends on the game, the other day they pressed us up front. If he is okay, he will be a difference both in defence and attack.”

Staying on the topic of midfielders, Xavi also heaped praise on Marc Casado saying,
“I have said it many times. I like him, he competes very well. The idea is that he stays with us and at least does the pre-season.”

Finally, Xavi gave his two cents on Joao Felix and his role in the team as he enters the final month of his stint on loan at Barcelona.

“Joao has helped us a lot, he has good numbers, but he has competition. He is competing with Raphinha, who is playing at a great level, Ferran and Lewy. Joao has been important and he has to continue until the end of the championship.”

On the transfer window

The Barcelona manager also provided several updates on the team’s upcoming summer transfer window and what fans can expect to change next month.

“We will decide with the fair play but it’s not the time to respond,” he began modestly.

“The president and Deco are positive but the economic issue will mark our sports planning,” he added.

Speaking on competing with Real Madrid, who are set to bring in Kylian Mbappe and Endrick amongst others, the coach said,

“We are going to try to compete (with Madrid). The situation is difficult economically and is nothing like it was twenty-five years ago.”

“Now we are not in the same conditions with clubs with better fair play. The fan should know. It doesn’t mean that we don’t try to achieve the goals,” he added.

Elaborating on how Barcelona’s economic situation has taken a steep fall in recent times, Xavi insisted that a full rebuild would require patience.

“25 years ago, the coach came and said ‘I love this one, this one and this one’. It doesn’t work like that anymore. I understand it and that’s how we’re going to adjust to it.”

“That doesn’t mean we’re not going to compete. We need stability and time. There are good things to compete,” he concluded.

 

Barcelona-linked Nigerian star praises NFF for appointing Finidi George

The 27-year-old missed the AFCON 2023 tournament due to a muscle injury but was reinstated into the Super Eagles team during the March International break with Finidi Goerge in charge during his interim spell.

The former Enyimba Internal coach was officially unveiled as the head coach of the Nigerian Football team by the NFF on Monday, willing the torch to take the country to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Finidi is an amazing coach, we worked with him in our two friendly games in Morocco and he impressed us with the way he executed the two games against Ghana and Mali without any assistant coaches, just him and his other officials. It is not easy for one man to do all that. We are good to go with him. He is humble and amazing. I think I will say congratulations and see what happens in the future,” the 2021 FA Cup winner told Complete Sports.

Ndidi, alongside Kelechi Iheanacho, celebrated their return to the English Premier League in style after just one season away. However, the focus has shifted towards the World Cup qualifiers for the former KRC Genk midfielder.

Liverpool’s €75 million-rated winger the most desired by Barcelona this summer

After a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, Barcelona will be hoping to add some much-needed quality to the squad by bringing in fresh players in the coming summer.

However, Barcelona’s pursuit of reinforcements this summer hinges heavily on overcoming their financial woes.

One of Barça’s focus areas is to secure the services of a top-quality winger, especially amid uncertainties over the future of Raphinha, Vitor Roque and others.

Luis Diaz: Barcelona’s top choice

To that end, Colombian star Luis Diaz has emerged as the club’s most desired target, according to Mundo Deportivo.

While financial fair play regulations restrict significant spending, Barcelona is hopeful of generating income through strategic exits and lucrative partnerships like those with Nike and Barça Studios.

Barcelona have been linked with several talented wingers in recent times, including the likes of Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Pepe. However, Diaz appears to have moved to the forefront of Barça’s plans.

Can Barça sign Diaz?

Reports suggest Diaz himself is open to a move to the Camp Nou. His father has previously spoken of his son’s dream to play for Barcelona, and the club has verified this information.

Diaz’s current situation at Liverpool might also play a role. The 27-year-old has faced criticism recently, and with manager Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure, significant changes are expected at the club.

This uncertainty could further entice Diaz to consider a new challenge. While Barcelona acknowledges the current lack of funds, the plan is to generate income through player sales, potentially including forwards.

If their financial strategy proves successful, a move for Diaz could become a reality. But as things stand, that ‘if’ factor remains quite substantial.

BARCELONA STAR’S FUTURE CONFIRMED AFTER MEETING WITH DECO

The future of an important backup member of the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has on Tuesday been confirmed.

The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, and surrounds Iñaki Peña.