Barcelona finally returned to winning ways with a 3-2 win over Almeria after a three-match winless run, MySportDab reports
Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has been under intense pressure as The Catalans recorded three two defeats and a draw in their last three games to further slip off the race to defend the La Liga title.
Against Almeria, Xavi needed a win to restore fans’ confidence, including fed-up officials, who were not having his recent poor run with the club.
It nearly ended on a draw at Estadio Olimpico as Almeria, who are battling in the relegation zone, nearly salvaged a point from the home side.
Barcelona dominated proceedings in the game but struggle to quench attacking threats by the visitors.
Former Leeds United and Premier League winger Raphinha opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 33rd minute but the visitors fought back to level terms in the 44th minute with a goal from Leo Baptistao.
The first half ended on a 1-1 draw in what turned out to be another shocking result for Barcelona.
In the second half, Barcelona restored the lead in the 60th minute with Sergio Roberto’s strike.
11 minutes after Sergio Roberto’s goal, a stubborn Almeria side claw their way back into the game again with Gonzalez scoring to make it 2-2.
The game almost ended on a draw before Sergio Roberto came up clutch again with his second goal in the 83rd minute to make it 3-2 thanks to Robert Lewandowski’s assist.
With seven minutes left to wrap up the game, Barcelona held on to secure the 3-2 win and salvage their first three points after a three-match winless run.
They are third on La Liga table with 38 points from 18 games, 4 points away from Real Madrid in second place and 6 points away from Girona at the top.
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