La Liga: Barcelona end winless streak with laboured victory over Almeria
Barcelona finally ended their winless streak with a 3-2 victory over Almeria at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The Catalans have struggled to find their rhythm this season, but a brace from Sergi Roberto helped them secure their first victory in four attempts.
The match started positively for Barcelona, with Raphinha blasting into the empty net in the 33rd minute after Luis Maximiano had kept out Ronald Araujo’s header. However, Leo Baptistao raced away to draw the visitors level eight minutes later, capitalizing on some sloppy defending from the hosts.
Undeterred, Barcelona pushed on and retook the lead on the hour mark. Roberto rose highest to meet Raphinha’s corner kick, directing a powerful header past Maximiano and into the back of the net.
But Almeria refused to lie down, and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 71st minute. Inaki Pena’s mistake allowed Edgar Gonzalez to equalise, leaving Barcelona frustrated and searching for a late winner.
That winner arrived seven minutes from time, courtesy of a brilliant through ball from Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker picked out Roberto, who had made a darting run behind the Almeria defence. The midfielder coolly slotted past Maximiano from close range, sealing the victory for Barcelona.
The relief was palpable among the Barcelona players and coaching staff, who had endured a difficult stretch of results. But with this hard-fought victory, they can now look to build momentum and climb up the La Liga table.
