Barcelona wasted a golden alternative to increase their lead on the high of La Liga as they have been shocked 1-0 at lowly Almeria on Sunday because of a first-half strike by El Bilal Toure. Barca are high of the league standings on 59 factors, seven forward second-placed Real Madrid who have been held to a 1-1 draw at residence by Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Almeria are fifteenth on 25 factors, two away from the relegation zone.
Almeria halted Barca’s seven recreation profitable streak within the league and delivered one other blow to the Catalans who, after going unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions, have now misplaced two straight matches after being knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday.
The hosts have been the higher aspect within the first half and scored after 24 minutes when Luis Suarez despatched an ideal lengthy go to Toure who was ghosting behind Barca’s defence. The Malian striker ran in direction of the realm and hit a thunderous strike in off the crossbar.
It was solely the eighth purpose Barcelona have conceded in LaLiga this season, the least of any group within the high 5 leagues in Europe. Almeria ought to have prolonged their lead however Leo Baptistao’s strike was blocked by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Rodrigo Ely then missed a sitter from close-range, sending huge a header from a nook when he was on their lonesome within the space.
“I’m very angry because I think we made the worst game of the season by far, mainly in the first half,” Barcelona supervisor Xavi Hernandez advised Movistar Plus. “We weren’t good and wasted an incredible alternative in a match we couldn’t afford to lose after what occurred to Real Madrid.
“It was a golden opportunity today and it ended with a really bad day for us. No excuses, it was the worst showing of our side in the entire season.” Xavi made 5 substitutions after the break, however Barca couldn’t beat a disciplined Almeria defence. Almeria, who had gained solely considered one of their final eight matches, held on to safe the three valuable factors as they bid to keep away from relegation.
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Source: www.hindustantimes.com
