Aoba Tanaka 
Barcelona emerged victorious against bottom-placed Almeria in a thrilling La Liga encounter, with Captain Sergi Roberto’s stellar performance propelling them to a crucial 3-2 win. The result boosts Barcelona to the third spot in the league standings, narrowing the gap to six points behind leaders Girona and four behind second-placed Real Madrid, both with a game in hand.
The match showcased Roberto’s brilliance, as he found the net twice to secure three vital points for Xavi’s side. Goals from Raphinha and Roberto initially put Barcelona in the lead, only to face spirited comebacks from Almeria through Leo Baptistao and Edgar Gonzalez. However, Roberto’s late goal sealed the win, breaking Barcelona’s three-game winless streak.
Barcelona’s journey to victory was marked by missed opportunities and defensive lapses, allowing Almeria to level the score twice. Ronald Araujo’s defensive decision led to Baptistao’s equalizer after Raphinha’s initial goal. Additionally, a mistake by stand-in goalkeeper Inaki Pena allowed Gonzalez to tap in, canceling out Roberto’s header.
Despite the challenges, Barcelona dominated play, and Robert Lewandowski had several opportunities to score. The Polish forward, with three goals in 14 matches across competitions, showcased his attacking prowess but couldn’t find the net in this encounter.
The win sets a positive tone for Barcelona as they head into a friendly against Club America in Dallas before the winter break. With their next fixture against Las Palmas on January 4, Barcelona aims to build on this victory and stay competitive in the La Liga title race.
