FC Barcelona couldn’t handle the bottom of the UD Almeria table. There were no bright spots in this match for the guests. Everyone failed, including Robert Lewandowski. The pride of Catalonia missed the opportunity to break away from Real Madrid.
A defeat to Manchester United this week saw Barcelona relegated from the Europa League and could focus entirely on La Liga and the Copa del Rey. After Real Madrid’s draw against Atlético Madrid in Saturday’s derby against Atlético Madrid, the blue garnet players have a great chance to increase their lead over great rivals to 10 points.
Barcelona unexpectedly conceded a goal
To do this, the Catalan pride needed to defeat UD Almeria, seventeenth in this round. On paper, of course, Barcelona was the favorite in this match. As expected, Javi Hernadez’s team dominated possession from the very beginning, and the main task of the hosts in the first minutes was to prevent the penetration of Robert Lewandowski and company into the penalty area.
Over time, UD Almeria players began to play more and more often. At the 25th minute the hosts had a brilliant team game. It all started with taking the ball from Gavi. Eli made a long pass, which was received by El Bilal Toure. The home striker found himself in a one-on-one situation with ter Stegen. The Malian put his team ahead with a powerful shot under the crossbar.
UD Almeria learned her lesson. Barcelona were helpless.
After the break, the initiative in the center of the field was seized by the players of Almeria. Therefore, the players of the Duma of Catalonia increasingly began to look for balls perpendicular to Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres. In the 64th minute, Sergi Roberto, who was on the offensive, received such a pass, but the hosts’ goalkeeper got ahead of the opponent.
One of the most dangerous moments was created by the Barcelona players in the 81st minute. Young Ángel Alarcón picked up the ball, which was knocked out by one of the Almería defenders, and shot at Fernando Martínez’s goal. Despite the fact that the kick was close, the goalkeeper easily deflected the ball, which flew into the middle of the gate.
Robert Lewandowski was invisible
In the 88th minute, Robert Lewandowski, who was not seen in this match, had an ideal opportunity to score a goal. The Pole went out alone with the hosts’ goalkeeper, but the sacrificial defense of one of the defenders did not allow the 34-year-old football player to score the ball into the net. A few seconds later the referee blew his whistle. In extra time, the Almeria players had the ball, but Ter Stegen saved his team.
Despite this defeat, Barcelona still maintain a significant lead over second-placed Real Madrid. The members of the royal family are seven points behind the Catalan Duma. Madrid’s next match will take place on March 5 against Betis, while Blaugrana will play against Valencia.
Source: Wprost
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