Sergi Roberto’s Brace Rescues Barcelona in Win Over Almeria

Sergi Roberto’s double propelled Barcelona to their initial victory in four matches against a determined Almeria squad.

Despite Almeria twice equalizing, Roberto, the team’s captain, netted a late goal, securing all three points for Barcelona. The win elevates Xavi Hernandez’s side to third place in the La Liga standings, trailing league leaders Girona by six points.

Barcelona initiated the game strongly, missing a golden opportunity in the seventh minute when Sergi Roberto, unmarked in the penalty area, saw his headed effort saved by Almeria’s Luis Maximiano. Despite early set-piece dominance, Barcelona broke the deadlock from a corner kick as Raphinha capitalized on Joao Cancelo’s delivery, following Ronald Araujo’s initial header being saved.

The lead was nearly extended with Robert Lewandowski’s attempt thwarted by Maximiano. However, a defensive lapse before halftime allowed Almeria’s Leo Baptistao to equalize. The second half saw Ferran Torres inject vitality into Barcelona’s attack, narrowly missing two chances.

Barcelona regained the lead in the 59th minute, as Sergi Roberto, making amends for an earlier missed opportunity, headed the ball into the top right corner from another corner kick. Yet, a 70th-minute error from goalkeeper Inaki Pena gifted Edgar Gonzalez an easy tap-in, leveling the score at 2-2.

Captain Sergi Roberto restored Barcelona’s lead in the 82nd minute, slotting the ball under Maximiano after a precise through ball from Lewandowski. Despite Barcelona’s dominance, another defensive lapse led to Edgar Gonzalez’s tap-in for Almeria. In the final moments, Pena’s remarkable save denied Idrissu Baba, securing a 3-2 win for Barcelona.