Barcelona have already misplaced the La Liga title to arch-rivals Actual Madrid, however their struggle for delight continues. The stress is palpable on the Blaugrana to complete second within the La Liga rankings, and on Thursday evening (Could 16), they took a giant step towards it. By choosing up a snug 2-0 victory over already-relegated Almeria, they opened up a four-point lead over third-placed Girona. With solely two video games left to play this season, Barca ought to have the ability to hold their Catalan rivals at bay and clinch the second spot.
Heavyweights Barcelona Declare Onerous-Fought Win Over Underdogs Almeria
La Liga powerhouse Barcelona had been huge favorites in opposition to Twentieth-placed Almeria on Thursday evening. Nonetheless, Xavi refused to take possibilities and fielded his greatest accessible XI, that includes the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Pau Cubrasi.
The guests loved a vibrant begin to the sport, and received their noses in entrance by Fermin Lopez within the 14th minute. The transfer began on the again as Inigo Martinez sprayed the ball out to 17-year-old left-back Hector Fort down the left channel. He penetrated the ultimate third, shifted onto his proper foot, and despatched an inviting cross towards the again put up. Midfielder Fermin Lopez learn Fort’s intention earlier than any of the Almeria defenders and snuck into the field to go the ball in.
Within the twenty third minute, Almeria created a golden alternative to equalize, due to Leo Baptistao’s elegant flick over the Barcelona defensive position. Nonetheless, the Brazilian couldn’t hold his composure through the one-on-one duel with the goalkeeper and steered his effort broad of the aim. A few minutes earlier than half time, Jonathan Viera performed a intelligent lobbed ball behind the Barca protection, permitting Adrian Embarba to have a go at aim. The left-winger aimed for the bottom-right nook however the put up denied him and Almeria a much-deserved equalizer.
Three minutes into the second half, Anthony Lozano missed a sitter mere 12 yards from aim, failing to hit the mark with solely Marc-Andre ter Stegan to beat. Having survived a shocking Almeria onslaught, Barcelona landed the killer blow within the 67th minute. Sergi Roberto burst previous the Almeria protection to drag the ball again for Lopez, who utilized a cool end to make it a brace. Barca’s second took the wind out of Almeria, and so they reluctantly accepted their destiny.
Fermin Lopez Dazzles Away At Almeria
Barcelona’s 21-year-old gifted central midfielder Lopez had a area day at Almeria. He knocked the ball round with ease, carried the ball effortlessly, created possibilities, examined the goalkeeper steadily, and, in fact, scored each of Barcelona’s targets.
All through the 90, Lopez accomplished 38 passes with 95 accuracy, created three possibilities, lodged 4 pictures heading in the right direction, accomplished two dribbles, delivered three correct lengthy balls, and performed 4 passes into the ultimate third. He additionally made 4 recoveries and received 5 of 9 floor duels. All in all, it was simply Lopez’s most impactful efficiency for his boyhood membership.
