The players ratings for the match between Barcelona and Almeria.
Barcelona hosted bottom-of-the-table Almeria at the Olympic Saint Montjuic, drawing 17 away fans.
After allowing 40 goals already this season, the question ahead of the game looked to be how many goals Barcelona would put past them. And it was all Barcelona for the first 35 minutes, with Raphinha scoring for the hosts.
The players ratings for the match between Barcelona and Almeria.
The second half, on the other hand, was considerably more entertaining from both sides, as Barcelona continued to create chances while also making errors that led to Almeria’s goals.
Roberto scored the second goal with a spectacular header, but it was cancelled out when Inaki Pena and Araujo both made mistakes, allowing Edgar Gonzalez to score. The Barcelona captain, on the other hand, was having none of it and scored the winner with a beautiful finish.
One of Barcelona’s most frustrating games of the season, but three points are three points.
Inaki Pena: 5
If Araujo and Christensen weren’t already causing problems for Barcelona, Pena got in on the act by tossing the ball away for their second equaliser. Araujo was also at fault, but the keeper needs to be stronger in that area.
Late in the game, however, he went from zero to hero by making a spectacular save from point-blank range.
Joao Cancelo: 4
On the ball, he barely made a difference, creating half-hearted chances. I also gave away possession in unsafe situations a handful of times.
Ronald Araujo: 1
Today was an utter howler from Araujo, who was paradoxically Almeria’s finest player, creating three or four chances for them. Baptistao was played onside for their first goal, then he collided with Inaki Pena, resulting in Almeria’s second.
For what it’s worth, his header set up Raphinha’s goal.
Andreas Christensen: 4.5
Christensen looked very off today, and had a tough time chasing Arribas, who got the better of him a couple of times. Was also partly responsible for the goal.
Alejandro Balde: 5
A masterclass in horrible decision-making from Balde again, as he could not release the ball on time, or at all on a few occasions.
Fermin Lopez: 5
A nothing performance from Lopez, who often disappeared while Barcelona kept possession. Did not do much to write home about, anyway.
Ilkay Gundogan: 8
Once again by far one of the better players on the pitch, Gundogan currently looks like gold in a box full of copper. Conducted the game brilliantly as the 6, and created multiple half chances for his teammates from deeper positions that were never finished. Missed the chance to win the game with a header half a yard out, though. Alas.
Sergi Roberto: 9.5 | MOTM
Roberto quietly had a solid performance in midfield as he kept the ball ticking at all times, recycling possession and dropping to allow Gundogan space in the box. Missed an open goal early on, but more than made up for it.
Scored Barcelona’s second with a header most strikers would long for all their career, and then scored the winner with a superb finish roving into the box. Could have had a hattrick, too.
Raphinha: 8.5
Raphinah definitely deserved better on the night as he created some superb chances.
Starting from the opening three minutes itself, when a ball across the six-yard box went begging. He then also found an unmarked Sergi Roberto in the box, who did not finish. These are just two examples among so many that were not even attacked.
Got the opening goal of the game, though, by being in the right place at the right time. And eventually assisted Roberto for the second
Robert Lewandowski: 5
Words cannot express the frustration that Lewandowski’s finishing has caused yet again.
He no longer attacks chances, is constantly out of position when crosses and passes are whipped in, and cannot finish them when they get to him courtesy of the opponent.
With a fantastic pass into the box, he came up clutch with the assist for the winner. However, he must improve.
Joao Felix: 4
A nothing performance after 45 minutes and was deservedly subbed off at half-time.
SUBSTITUTES:
Ferran Torres: 7
Torres created more danger attacking the box in two minutes after coming on than Lewandowski did in 45 minutes before that. While he did not score or assist, he single-handedly changed the direction of the game and deserves credit for the same.
Jules Kounde: 5
Did well for most of the second half, but was part of the reason Almeria got a third shot at redemption, losing his marker during a set piece. Was bailed out by Pena.
Oriol Romeu: 2
Romeu’s confidence is in the trenches and his performance today will not help, either. Could not tackle Arribas 40 yards out which led to the equalising free-kick. Also lost his marker in the box for a set piece late on.
Lamine Yamal: N/A
Did not do enough to warrant a rating.
