2-0: UD Almería lose to ruthless FC Barcelona with heads held high
Even though the Azulgranas pressed high in the final third, the Rojiblancos managed to held hosts to a nil-nil draw until the second half when Dembelé and De Jong scored
UD Almería could not score points in their daunting visit to the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in a game with FC Barcelona creating the biggest chances, but they found themselves time and time again with a slick Fernando, whose performance between the sticks was absolutely spectacular throughout the match. The Rojiblancos also fashioned their chances with a remarkably energetic Ramazani in attack. Dembelé opened the scoring in the 47th minute (1-0) after a blistering solo run and within 61 minutes, the final 2-0 scored by De Jong left the visitors empty handed.
Head coach Rubi changed his formation compared to the previous fixture with a defence of five, introducing Chumi and Kaiky in the defensive third, Samú Costa returning to the starting lineup in midfield. Up front, Largie Ramazani was handed out a starting spot.
The first half went through the brilliant attacking display at the hands of FC Barcelona, yet also by the endurance of UD Almería and a stellar Fernando who knew how to block the constant efforts by the Catalans.With 7 minutes on the clock, the home side squandered a chance to make it 1-0, a penalty that the VAR indicated for Kayky’s handball; Lewandoski shot from 12 yards and failed to convert. Despite this mistake, the Catalan outfit continued to create threatening situations towards the box and Fernando's first worthy saves began to follow one another. Jordi Alba was the first to pull the trigger from the edge of the box with no luck inside 18 minutes.
The tireless Rojiblancos toughened up and were close to putting themselves in front through Ramazani on 22 minutes, The Belgian found himself in a one-on-one against Ter Stegen, in which the German goalkeeper emerged victorious, making sure Largie would not earn his name onto the scoresheet.
In the subsequent play, Kaiky saved under the sticks, an explosive shot by Ferrán Torres that went to the bottom of the goal. FC Barcelona carried on creating danger with a vigorous Ferrán in attack who wasted, in the 34th minute, a great opportunity to grab the opener after a long-range pass from Jordi Alba, although he arrived forced to finish off and his shot went wide brushing the post.
UD Almería were in safe hands after 39 minutes, Ferrán’s cross to Dembelé inside the small box, but the French was denied by Fernando. Shortly after, Barça missed another chance; this time, Lewandoski headed in, although his attempt went wide. Within 43 minutes, Ferrán had another chance that the Rojiblanco goalie cleared off the line.
UD Almería had a goalscoring opportunity before the break due to an indecision by the Blaugrana defence, but no Indalico player could hit the target.
Rubi made two substitutions at half-time. Sousa and Babiç came on for Kaiky and Baptistão. Right after the changes, in minute 47, FC Barcelona's opening goal was netted following a great play by Dembelé. This created more space on the field and the hosts frittered countless chances away. With 61 minutes gone, Fernando averted danger to block Ansu Fati’s thumping shot, but De Jong beat the Murcia-born goalkeeper in the rebound to double their lead (2-0).
UD Almería gave everything with their heart and soul; Ramazani spurned a chance after a reverse pass from team-mate Portillo, although the Belgian misskicked the ball and his strike did not find the back of the net. FC Barcelona tried to slam in their third goal, but between the shot-stopper Fernando and the defence, they prevented them from extending their lead. Finally, the game left UD Almeria empty handed despite showing real grit at the Spotify Camp Nou.
