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May 17, 2024

Almeria 0-2 Barcelona – Fermin Lopez Double Secures Victory as Barca Tighten Grip on Second Place – La Liga

Despite losing the La Liga title to Real Madrid earlier in the month, Barcelona is finishing the season strong. On Thursday night, it secured a 2-0 win on the road against relegated Almeria. This victory not only solidified their hold on the second place but also kept their hopes alive for a strong finish in the season. Fermin Lopez stole the spotlight, scoring twice to secure the three points for Xavi Hernandez’s side.

Barcelona’s victory at the Power Horse Stadium solidified their hold on second place, moving four points clear of Girona with two games left. The visitors opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Fermin nodded in Hector Fort’s cross at the far post. Almeria missed key chances, including shots from Leo Baptistao and Anthony Lozano, while Adri Embarba hit the post.

Barca extended their lead in the 67th minute with Fermin’s second, a precise first-time shot into the far corner from Sergi’s cross. Joao Felix came close to adding a third, but Fermin’s brace ensured a comfortable win.

Talking Point – Routine Win for Barca, Missed Chances Cost Almeria

Barcelona avoided a third consecutive away defeat in La Liga, which has happened since 2002 under Louis van Gaal. Barca secured a comfortable victory by continuing their dominance over Almeria, whom they’ve now beaten in 13 of the last 16 meetings. However, Almeria will be left wondering what could have been as their winless streak at home extended. 

Leo Baptistao and Anthony Lozano had golden opportunities to level the game at 1-0, but both missed, with only Ter Stegen to beat, encapsulating Almeria’s frustrating season. The match statistics show that Barcelona had 60% possession and 15 shots, while Almeria had 40% possession and 8 shots.

Player of the Match – Fermin Lopez

Fresh off his 21st birthday, Fermin Lopez delivered a standout performance in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory over Almeria, helping solidify their hold on second place in La Liga. The young midfielder demonstrated exceptional positioning and composure, first heading in Hector Fort’s precise cross at the far post and later expertly guiding Sergi’s pass into the bottom corner to seal the win. In addition to his two goals, Lopez took a game-high four shots, showing his attacking prowess, and was instrumental in creating three chances, sharing the lead in chance creation with teammates Jules Kounde and Lamine Yamal. His all-around contribution highlights his growing importance to Xavi’s side as they push toward the end of the season.

Player Ratings

Almeria: Maximiano 6, Pubill 6, Montes 6, Chumi 6, Langa 6, Viera 6, M. Peña 6, Robertone 6, Baptistao 5, Lozano 4, Embarba 7. 

Subs: Romero 5, Suarez 5, Melero 5, Centelles 5, Pozo 5.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 7, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 7, I. Martinez 7, Fort 8, Pedri 7, Sergi 8, Fermin 9*, Yamal 8, Lewandowski 6, Ferran 6. 

Subs: Joao Felix 6, Christensen 6, Roque 5, Cancelo 5, Romeu 5.

Match Highlights

14′ – GOAL! ALMERIA 0-1 BARCELONA (FERMIN): Barca opens the scoring as Fort advances from the left and sends a perfect cross to an unmarked Fermin, who quickly heads it past Maximiano.

22′ – WHAT A CHANCE: Almeria’s Baptistao races behind the Barca defense, but with only Ter Stegen to beat, he scuffs his shot wide, missing a golden opportunity.

42′ – OFF THE POST: Embarba comes close for Almeria, racing onto a through ball and striking the post with Ter Stegen beaten.

47′ – WHAT A MISS: Another huge miss for Almeria! Lozano finds himself through on goal but drags his shot wide with Ter Stegen at his mercy.

67′ – GOAL! ALMERIA 0-2 BARCELONA (FERMIN): Fermin grabs his second of the night, arriving late to meet Sergi’s cross and guiding a superb finish into the far corner.

80′ – SIDE NETTING: Joao Felix nearly adds a third for Barca, cutting inside the box but sending his shot across the post.

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