1-0: There is always a first time!

UD Almería beat FC Barcelona for the first time ever in one of the best games played so far this season with a solid defence as well as bossing the midfield and being effective in attack. El Bilal Toure's super 23rd-minute strike settled the game to boost their hopes of avoiding the drop. Rubi's lowly side becomes now the third best home team in the LaLiga Santander following this historic victory against the Culés.

There were some new faces in the starting XI compared to the previous game in Girona: Fernando in goal, defenders Akieme, Babic, Ely and Chumi, who returned to the right flank; midfielder protected by De la Hoz, Eguaras and Robertone and El Bilal Touré. Luis Suárez and Léo Baptistão linked up up front.

The game did not kick off with a clear dominating side, yet the outfit that enjoyed the better chances was definitely UD Almería with very clear ideas, effective passing and without rushing. FC Barcelona began to create some threatening situations with 15 minutes gone, however the hosts dug in.

With 23 minutes on the clock, the result of this great teamwork and grit led to the stunning opener to the delight of the jubilant home crowd. Ely won the ball back in the defensive third, Luis Suárez picked it up and cleverly chipped the ball so that it was match winner El Bilal Touré the player in charge of beating Marc-Andre Ter Stegen with a superb strike. This encouraged the hosts to continue to create danger. Rodrigo Ely then missed a sitter from close-range, sending a towering header wide from a corner kick when the Brazilian was all alone in the box.

The team led by Xavi walked out onto the pitch in the second half looking more focused and adding some more power towards Fernando's goal, fashioning big chances with crosses taken from wide positions. UD Almería’s defence blocked skillfully every attempt produced by the guests. The Rojiblancos knew how to deny FC Barcelona's opportunities looking to counter-attack. Rubi brought on Embarba and Ramazani to add more energy and forward drive since the Catalans created a hatful of chances in the dying embers.

It is Barça’s second big loss this week following Thursday's Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United. They had gone all out to grab an equaliser but failed to overcome UD Almería’s rock-solid defensive line and commanding attacking display. UD Almería demonstrated that they never give up in a thrilling game in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Power Horse Stadium.