After a European damper, Barcelona takes a new blow at low-flyer Almería

It was only the second league defeat of the season, after the 3-1 at Real Madrid on October 16 last year. The difference between Barcelona and number two Real is seven points. Real played a draw against Atlético Madrid (1-1) on Saturday.

Catch them en masse, if possible a stallion forward and then see what the two strikers can do; Almería’s game was as simple as it was effective. The only chance was beautifully used by El Bilal Touré in the 24th minute.

The Malian attacker outwitted Barça defender Andreas Christensen after a pass from Colombian Luis Suárez and passed goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen with a hard shot via the underside of the crossbar.

Barça looked very syrupy, combined without panache and created nothing before the break. The Catalans also played against themselves after the break. Alméria was pushed back far, but once they got to the sixteen no one had a good idea.

With a header from substitute Ronald Araújo, coach Xavi’s team came close to scoring once. The header went wide. Barcelona’s only shot on goal, by substitute Ángel Alarcón, was an easy prey for keeper Fernando Martínez.