Barcelona 3-2 Almeria: Player ratings as Sergi Roberto brace spares Barca blushes

A brace from Sergi Roberto was enough to secure Barcelona their first win in four games against a spirited Almeria side.

Almeria came from behind on two occasions to draw level with Barca, however a late goal from captain Roberto ensured of all three points for the home side.

The result moves Xavi Hernandez's side up to third in theLa Liga table, six points adrift of table-toppers Girona.

Barcelona started the game well, and really should've taken the lead in the seventh minute when Sergi Roberto was found completely unmarked in the heart of the penalty area from a set piece. The Barca captain's headed effort on goal wasn't directed quite far enough beyond the reach of Almeria's Luis Maximiano however, and the goalkeeper was able to claw the ball clear of danger.

Set pieces would prove to be Barca's best route to goal in the first half, with the second chance they created of the game being courtesy of a corner kick and, this time, resulting in the opening goal. Joao Cancelo's delivery was met by Ronald Araujo in the penalty area, and after the defender saw his header well saved by Maximiano, Raphinha was able to steal in and sweep home at the second time of asking.

It was so nearly 2-0 shortly after, with Robert Lewandowski's curling effort from just inside the penalty area being denied by the outstretched arm of Maximiano. The out-of-form Lewa perhaps should've done a bit better with his effort on goal.

Barca were made to rue that missed chance on the stroke of half-time when some sloppy defending led to Almeria drawing level.

La Blaugrana's backline fell asleep in the 42nd minute, allowing Sergio Arribas to play Leo Baptistao clean through on goal. The veteran striker made no mistake with his subsequent finish, dinking