17 away fans made the trip to Catalonia as Barcelona hosted bottom-of-the-table Almeria at the Olympic Saint Montjuic in La Liga.

After conceding 40 goals this season already, ahead of the game it seemed like a case of how many goals Barcelona will put past them. And for 35 minutes it was all Barcelona, with Raphinha on target for the hosts.

A missed chance too many from Sergi Roberto and Robert Lewandowski, though, came to bite Barça back as Almeria found space through Leo Baptistao, who chipped Inaki Pena to equalise. 1-1 at the break, to everyone’s shock.

The second half was much more watchable from both sides, though, as Barcelona kept creating chances and also making mistakes that led to Almeria’s goals.

Roberto found the second through a sensational header, but that was cancelled out as a mistake from Inaki Pena and Araujo helped Edgar Gonzalez score. The Barcelona captain was having none of it, though, and scored the winner with a superb finish.

One of the most frustrating games of the season for Barcelona, but three points is three points.

Inaki Pena: 5

If Araujo and Christensen were not already causing enough trouble for Barcelona, Pena joined in the action by throwing away the ball for their second equaliser. Admittedly, Araujo was also at fault, but the keeper needs to be stronger there.

Went zero to hero late on, though, making a stellar save from point-blank range.

Joao Cancelo: 4

Barely made a difference on the ball, creating half-hearted chances. Gave away possession in dangerous areas a couple of times, as well.

Ronald Araujo: 1

An absolute howler from Araujo today, who was unironically Almeria’s best player today, creating three to four chances for them. Played Baptistao onside for their first goal, and fully bumped into Inaki Pena leading to Almeria’s second.

For what it’s worth, though, his header led to Raphinha’s opener.

Andreas Christensen: 4.5

Christensen looked very off today, and had a tough time chasing Arribas, who got the better of him a couple of times. Was also partly responsible for the goal.

Alejandro Balde: 5

A masterclass in horrible decision-making from Balde again, as he could not release the ball on time, or at all on a few occasions.

Fermin Lopez: 5

A nothing performance from Lopez, who often disappeared while Barcelona kept possession. Did not do much to write home about, anyway.

Ilkay Gundogan: 8

Once again by far one of the better players on the pitch, Gundogan currently looks like gold in a box full of copper. Conducted the game brilliantly as the 6, and created multiple half chances for his teammates from deeper positions that were never finished. Missed the chance to win the game with a header half a yard out, though. Alas.

Sergi Roberto: 9.5 | MOTM

Roberto quietly had a solid performance in midfield as he kept the ball ticking at all times, recycling possession and dropping to allow Gundogan space in the box. Missed an open goal early on, but more than made up for it.

Scored Barcelona’s second with a header most strikers would long for all their career, and then scored the winner with a superb finish roving into the box. Could have had a hattrick, too.

Raphinha: 8.5

Raphinah definitely deserved better on the night as he created some superb chances.

Starting from the opening three minutes itself, when a ball across the six-yard box went begging. He then also found an unmarked Sergi Roberto in the box, who did not finish. These are just two examples among so many that were not even attacked.

Got the opening goal of the game, though, by being in the right place at the right time. And eventually assisted Roberto for the second

Robert Lewandowski: 5

Words are not enough the put together the frustration Lewandowski’s finishing left behind, once again.

He no longer attacks chances, is constantly out of position when crosses and passes are whipped in, and when at the end of them — courtesy of the opposition —, cannot finish them.

Came in clutch with the assist for the winner with a superb pass to Roberto into the box. Needs to do better, though.

Joao Felix: 4

A nothing performance after 45 minutes and was deservedly subbed off at half-time.

SUBSTITUTES:

Ferran Torres: 7

Torres created more danger attacking the box in two minutes after coming on than Lewandowski did in 45 minutes before that. While he did not score or assist, he single-handedly changed the direction of the game and deserves credit for the same.

Jules Kounde: 5

Did well for most of the second half, but was part of the reason Almeria got a third shot at redemption, losing his marker during a set piece. Was bailed out by Pena.

Oriol Romeu: 2

Romeu’s confidence is in the trenches and his performance today will not help, either. Could not tackle Arribas 40 yards out which led to the equalising free-kick. Also lost his marker in the box for a set piece late on.

Lamine Yamal: N/A

Did not do enough to warrant a rating.