Barcelona suffered their second consecutive defeat after remaining unbeaten for 18 straight matches after their first defeat at the Old Trafford by the hands of Manchester United.
Barcelona face 2nd consecutive defeat
This time it was Almeria who prevented Barcelona from acquiring a golden chance of steering 10 points ahead as the La Liga table toppers. Instead, Barcelona saw themselves fall down to justseven point difference after their 1-0 defeat.
The Catalans were seen performing a lousy game as they took the relegation squad for granted. Fans have argued this to be the worst of Barcelona’s games played this season with lethargic attempts at attack, while wasting their dominance on the ball possession.
However, the lousy attacks that Barca attempted had no impact on the Almeria defense, and on the other hand, Almeria scored on their very first attempt at attack in the match.
Barcelona 0-1 Almeria; first defeat in seven league matches
The first and the only goal throughout the match came from El Bilal Toure’s goal at the 24th minute of the match. This was only the eighth goal that was conceded by Barcelona this season.
This early goal in the first half had ignited no fire in Xavi’s men and they continued to play slowly, showing no urgency to equalize the lead that Almeria had acquired, or acquire a lead of their own with goals.
Xavi, sensing that the Blaugranas needed a change, did the needful after the halftime, when he replaced Franck Kessie with Raphinha. This did introduce more attacking prowess, but failed to improve Barca’s situation in any real manner, for they remained goalless.
Ter Stegen made a stunning save towards the end of the match, saving Barcelona from a late counter-attack of Almeria, who currently rank 19th in the table. But soon the final whistle was blown and Barcelona faced their first defeat in seven league matches.
