Champions Barcelona ended their three-game winless streak in all competitions as they headed into the Christmas break on Wednesday, defeating bottom team Almeria 3-2 at home thanks to two goals from Sergi Roberto in the second half.
Despite dominating the first half, Barcelona wasted most of their 15 opportunities, just five of which were on target. As a result, the game was tied at halftime, with Almeria striker Leo Baptistao having canceled out Raphinha’s opening goal.
Coach Xavi Hernandez remarked, “There was more suffering than I expected and than we deserved.”
“We attempted thirty shots and conceded two goals. In my opinion as a coach, the first half is unacceptable. Yes, the last part. We had been failing miserably for the last month and a half or so.The group was soulless. The group lacks the soul it had during the last campaign. Both aggression and focus are absent. The Barcelona I desire is the one in the second half.”
In the 33rd minute, Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead with a close-range rebound after Almeria goalie Luis Maximiano had stopped defender Ronald Araujo’s header off a corner.
However, Baptistao’s chipped finish just before the half gave the visitors an equalizer. The goal was originally disallowed for offside, but the referee changed his mind following a VAR review.
At the hour, Roberto gave Barca the lead again by nodding in a corner, and Edgar Gonzalez then gave Almeria another equalizer. Roberto gave Barcelona the lead once again by nutmegging Maximiano up close.
After more than 350 outings for the Catalan club, the 31-year-old winger recorded his first brace of the season in all competitions.
“I am happy that Sergi Roberto is included because, whether he plays or not, he sets an example. In addition to his near-hat-trick, he also works hard to uplift his teammates. “I’m glad for him,” Xavi said.
Barcelona, with 38 points from 18 games, climbed to third place. They trail leaders Girona by six points and behind second-place Real Madrid by four points heading into their respective trips to Real Betis and Alaves on Thursday.
Almeria is now bottom with five points in La Liga and has yet to win this season.
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