Off the wire
• 29 Sri Lankans return home from Yemen  • Facility unveiled for rapid diagnosis of malaria in S. Africa  • 1st LD: 2013 Boston bomber found guilty, awaiting death penalty trial  • China's potential growth to reach 7-8 percent over next decade, U.S. economist  • 1st LD Writethru: Oil prices dive as U.S. output increases  • Finnish FM describes Finno-Russian border as most stable  • Chinese firm wins 600 mln USD port construction contract in Ghana  • Urgent: U.S. dollar drops on Fed minutes  • Sahara Dessert sand on its way to Britain as Defra warns to expect high pollution  • Economic value of immigrants to Finland calculated  
You are here: 　 Home

Serious but unspectacular win for Barca at home to Almeria

Xinhua, April 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona cruised to a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Almeria on Wednesday night in a game they dominated without ever finding their best form against a side who at times, especially in the first half put them under pressure.

The appointment of former Barca defender Sergi Barjuan as Almeria coach on Monday gave the match an extra point of interest and it was clear at the start that Sergi's new players were keen to impress their new boss.

Barca coach Luis Enrique made changes to his starting 11 ahead of next weekend's tough trip to Sevilla with Neymar, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all out of the side.

Leo Messi did start despite continued worries about a foot injury and had the first chance of the game with a header, while Wellington Silva saw a shot go wide for the visitors.

Luis Suarez almost set Pedro up for the opening goal after a smart turn after 23 minutes, but despite controlling the ball too often Barca's final pass was wasteful and the chance failed to end in a shot on goal.

Just when there were some signs of nerves Messi produced a piece of magic and after being allowed too much space in the corner of the Almeria area curled a shot into the back of the net to put his side ahead after 32 minutes.

Led by Xavi Hernandez and Ivan Rakitic, Barca stepped on the pedal but were unable to extend their lead until 10 minutes after the break when Suarez produced almost a carbon copy of Messi's goal after being allowed too much space.

The second goal took a lot of sting out of the game and Barca were able to take off Dani Alves, who could have picked up a knock, and Rakitic, but Marc Bartra scored their third with a smart header from a corner with 15 minutes remaining.

Messi tested Almeria keeper Julian in the closing minutes but the keeper made a fine save, although could do nothing to stop Suarez scoring his second of the night after an excellent cross from Pedro. Endite