Barcelona welcomed Almeria to the Camp Nou on Sunday knowing that victory would move them to within one point of La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
The home side took a two-goal lead inside 24 minutes courtesy of strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi, but Angel Trujillo cut the score to 2-1 moments later with a powerful header.
Barcelona had to wait until the latter stages to score their third and then fourth, however, with Carlos Puyol and Xavi among the scoring in the final 10 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our La Liga coverage for the evening closes from the Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome relegation-threatened Almeria. Following the 2-2 draw between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid this afternoon, Barcelona enter the match knowing that victory would move them into second and one point from first position. Almeria, meanwhile, enter the match in 17th position, just three points from the relegation zone.
TEAMS:
BARCA: Valdes; Alves, Mascherano, Puyol, Adriano; Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas; Alexis, Messi, Neymar
ALMERIA: Esteban; Rafita, Trujillo, Torsiglieri, Dubarbier; Verza, Corona, Azeez; Jonathan, Vidal, Rodri
So there we have it. No Pedro or Andres Iniesta in the Barca XI this evening, with Neymar and Xavi both coming into the side. There is also a start in central defence for skipper Carlos Puyol. Almeria, meanwhile, start with a front three of Jonathan Zongo, Rodri and Aleix Vidal. Suso, however, is among the substitutes.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does not make good reading for Almeria. Barcelona have won each of the last five matches, scoring 21 times in the process and scoring just once. The reverse match earlier in the season ended in a 2-0 Barca win, while the Catalan outfit have recently beaten Almeria 8-0 and 5-0. That will not fill the travelling supporters with too much confidence!
Today's events at the Vicente Calderon between Atletico and Real Madrid have boosted Barcelona with the home side knowing that, despite a recent wobble, they could move one point off the top with victory this evening. However, they enter the match off the back of a 3-1 defeat at Real Sociedad last weekend.
The Catalan outfit have been strong on their own patch this season with 11 wins from their 12 matches, losing once in the process. That defeat came against Valencia last month, but they are the leading scorers on their own patch this season with 42 goals. On the road, Gerardo Martino's side have also been impressive with eight wins from 13, losing just twice in the process.
Barcelona have been strong defensively this season with just 20 goals conceded in the league, while they have kept 12 clean sheets in the process. Almeria, meanwhile, have struggled, conceding 42 times. Down the other end, Barca are the second top-scorers in the league with 70, but Almeria have managed just 24 goals, seven of which have come from Rodri, who is on loan from their opponents this evening.
As mentioned, Almeria enter the match currently occupying 17th position in the table on 26 points. They have won seven of their 25 matches, losing 13 times in the process. They are just three points ahead of 18th-place Real Valladolid, but just three points from 12th, which is a demonstration of the closeness in the bottom half of the table. That said, it is a big ask for them to produce a result this evening.
Almeria have won three times on their travels this season, but they have lost nine times, which is the second-highest total behind basement outfit Real Betis. Francisco's side have lost their last four away games in a row, but enter the match having won two of their last five, including a famous win over Atletico Madrid on February 8. With five minutes until kickoff, here is the task facing Almeria this evening...
PREDICTION: In truth, I am finding it extremely difficult to make a case for Almeria. Miracles can happen, but one will not occur this evening. Barcelona will have been boosted by events in Madrid earlier this afternoon and surely will not miss the chance to close the gap at the top of the table. My score prediction is 4-0 Barcelona, with Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez both on the scoresheet.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Elsewhere in La Liga, Sevilla have just beaten Real Sociedad 1-0 at the Estadio Ramon. Right, the home side get the first 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou.
Just short of a full house inside the stadium, but there is a brilliant atmosphere. It must also be said that the pitch is in wonderful condition this evening - perfect for a night of football. As expected, Barca have taken control of the early possession with Almeria immediately dropping into their defensive shape.
Slightly untidy start at the Camp Nou with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. You just get the feeling that Almeria need to ride out the opening 15 minutes or so. They have not been worried in the opening four minutes, but Barcelona have dominated the possession.
The pace of Vidal will certainly be a threat for Almeria this evening, but the Spaniard has been unable to have a clear run at Alves thus far. Barcelona continue to dominate the ball, but Neymar and Messi have both been guilty of some sloppy passing. It will be a game of patience for the home side on their own patch.
CHANCE! First real chance of the match for the home side as Xavi finds Alves with a brilliant pass, but the Brazilian, who had carried the ball into the box, is denied by Esteban. Much better from Barcelona, who have started to quicken the pace in the final third.
Another half-chance for Barcelona as Messi finds some space outside the box before delivering a low cross towards the far post, but Esteban is on hand to punch clear. Almeria just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the likes of Fabregas and Messi begin to become more involved.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Almeria (Sanchez)
Barcelona have their first of the match after nine minutes as Sanchez converts from close range after Almeria goalkeeper Esteban had palmed a Fabregas effort right into the path of the Chilean international.
You have to fear for the away side as Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the final third. Almeria are attempting to look for the wings each time they collect the ball, but Zongo and Vidal have both been unable to influence proceedings in the opening 12 minutes. Extremely comfortable for the hosts at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Xavi finds the run of Neymar down the right. The Brazilian drives into the Almeria box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Rafita is on hand to make a fine block at the vital moment. More danger for Almeria as the pressure continues.
Almeria want a penalty as Vidal goes down under contact from Alves, but the referee points for a free kick just outside the box. It was extremely close that is for certain. The resulting set piece is taken by 33-year-old Corona on just his second league start of the season, but his effort is straight into the Barcelona wall.
Azeez enters the referee's book for a late challenge on Neymar, who showed incredible pace and skill to move into the Almeria half of the field. Barcelona work the ball outside the Almeria box moments later, but Messi's pass towards Neymar just runs away from the Brazilian, who has been bright thus far this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alves combines with Messi before driving a low cross towards Neymar, but Dubarbier is on hand to make a fine challenge. Messi wins another corner moments later from Corona, but the danger is eventually cleared following a loose pass from Fabregas. Almeria break down the other end with Corona in the next attack, but his cross fails to find a teammate, before Messi strikes straight at Esteban.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Almeria (Messi)
Wonderful from Messi as the Argentine stands over a free kick outside the box before bending one into the top corner. That is just wonderful from the attacker. Almeria could be in for a real hiding here.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Almeria to open their tally for the evening as Corona stands over a free kick down the other end, but his effort is pushed over the crossbar by Valdes.
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Almeria (Trujillo)
Almeria cut the deficit to 2-1 as Trujillo arrives unmarked inside the box to head a Corona corner into the back of the net. Well, that was not in the script! Game on at the Camp Nou!
Barcelona's defensive issues harm them once more. I am not entirely sure what Valdes was doing coming so far for that corner. The home side are down the other end moments later with Sanchez, whose cross eventually finds Messi, but the Argentine cannot convert under pressure from Esteban. Still 2-1 Barcelona.
Another half-chance for the home side as Alves finds some space down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but the Almeria stopper is on hand to push wide of the post. Fairly subdued atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as Messi tests Esteban once more with a low powerful effort from long range.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball. You just get the feeling that Almeria need to keep it at 2-1 in the last 10 or so minutes of the first period. Another Barcelona goal could all but end the contest.
CHANCE! A powerful first-time effort from Neymar threatens Almeria, but the Brazilian's effort whistles wide of the post. Barcelona continue to force the issue with Fabregas and Messi combining in the final third, but Alves's low cross is cleared by Rodri, who had come back to help his back four.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their third as a clever header from Sanchez drops into the path of Messi, who manages to beat Esteban to the ball, but his header just drops wide of the post. Almeria survive once more at the Camp Nou. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
It's bright work from Zongo as the Almeria forward drives into the Barcelona half before winning a corner from Mascherano. The resulting set piece is once more delivered by Corona, but this time it is played short and the danger is cleared. Moments later, Trujillo just loses possession inside the box under pressure from Valdes, who has looked nervy in the opening 41 minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball. Neymar combines with Fabregas inside the box, but once more Rafita is across to clear the danger. Alves, meanwhile, continues to play like a winger down the Barcelona right.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Messi meets a low cross from Sanchez, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. This opening 45 minutes has just flown past at the Camp Nou.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 2-1 Almeria
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Barcelona leading 2-1. The home side led 2-0 inside 24 minutes courtesy of goals from Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi, but Angel Trujillo converted a Corona corner moments later to hand Almeria hope at the Camp Nou.
STATISTICS: The home side have utterly dominated the possession with 77%, while they have had 14 attempts to Almeria's four, which is a demonstration of the first period. It has not been a particularly feisty half in terms of challenges, but the referee has issued three yellow cards.
BENCH WATCH: Barcelona have a wealth of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Pedro, Iniesta, Tello and Jordi Alba. Meanwhile, Almeria have the likes of Oscar Diaz, Helder Barbosa and Suso in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial. Can Almeria pull off what would be one of the results of the season? The away side get the second 45 minutes underway at the Camp Nou.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains 2-1 for the next 20 minutes or so. As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of the second period, but Almeria have had a couple of opportunities to threaten on the counter. It must be said that there is not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is harming the home players. Dani Alves is just one of the Barcelona players that has criticised the atmosphere at the Camp Nou this season.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score their third as Xavi finds Neymar with a through pass, but the Brazilian's effort is straight at Esteban. Almeria are down the other end moments later with Vidal, but the speedy Spaniard loses control under pressure from Adriano.
Barcelona continue to dominate possession of the ball in the final third, but Almeria are finding it relatively simple to deal with the threat from the Catalan outfit. Neymar finds space down the left before driving a deep cross into the box, but Verza is on hand to clear the danger. Still 2-1 Barcelona.
There is no margin for error for Barcelona this evening and at 2-1, there is always a chance for Almeria. Another goal would certainly settle those inside the stadium. Messi attempts to craft something outside the box after combining with Xavi, but once more Almeria clear the danger. Little over 30 minutes remaining.
Half-chance for the home side as Fabregas combines with Messi before striking an effort from the edge of the box, but Esteban is on hand to collect. Alves carries the threat down the right for Barcelona moments later before the ball is worked left to Neymar, but Trujillo is on hand to make an important block.
Neymar continues to carry a threat for Barcelona as the Brazilian beats two defenders before delivering into the Almeria box, but Esteban is on hand to collect once more. Almeria break down the other end with Vidal moments later, but the danger is eventually cleared when Zongo's low cross is blocked by Puyol.
Almeria make their first change of the match as Rodri, who is on loan from Barcelona, is replaced by the experienced Portuguese Helder Barbosa. Still no movement on the Barcelona bench, but I suspect that Martino will be considering changes. In truth, it has been a flat second-half performance from the champions.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Almeria as Vidal collects a loose ball inside the Barcelona box, but his powerful effort is straight into the arms of Valdes. Either side of the goalkeeper and that would have left it all square at the Camp Nou. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side as Messi combines with Sanchez before working the ball to Neymar, but his effort is wide of the post. Poor from the Brazilian attacker and he knows it.
CHANCES! Desperate defending from Almeria as Barcelona force the issue. A deep cross from Adriano is somehow headed up instead of forward by Fabregas, before Messi has a low drive blocked by Verza. Neymar dances into the box moments later, but is again denied. Incredible scenes at the Camp Nou!
Almeria make their second change of the match as Corona is replaced by Marcos Tebar. Barcelona have just upped the tempo in the last few moments with a series of crosses into the Almeria box, but they cannot find a way through. Moments later, the home side make a change as Pedro enters the field in place of Sanchez.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the Camp Nou and Almeria remain in the match. One set piece is all it will take for the away side to secure an unlikely point. That is unless Barcelona can find a third in the next few minutes. It has been far from a convincing performance from the champions this evening.
Opportunity for Almeria to threaten from a free kick as Vidal is felled by Mascherano just outside the Barcelona box. The resulting set piece is taken by Verza, but Valdes manages to claim after Busquets had made the block. Nervy moments for the home side with little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Whistles inside the stadium at the moment, which is not much of a surprise. Barcelona had threatened to run away with this match in the early stages, but Almeria continue to hang in there. Barcelona make their second change moments later as Iniesta enters the field in place of Fabregas, who has been quiet this evening.
Almeria continue to have a couple of bright moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but Puyol and Valdes take it in turns to clear the danger. Barcelona attempt to break down the other end with Neymar, but Verza fells the Brazilian and picks up a booking for his troubles. Still 2-1 Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Pedro to score Barcelona's third as the attacker collects a through pass from Xavi, but Esteban is on hand to make a fine save. From the resulting corner, Verza is on hand to make a brilliant block to deny Messi. Better tempo from the Spanish champions.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Almeria (Puyol)
Game over! Barcelona have their third of the match as Puyol converts from close range after Messi had rattled the crossbar with a header. Almeria defended well for long periods, but the points are Barcelona's.
It has been far from convincing from Barcelona, but they are heading for three points and to within one point of leaders Real Madrid. Messi has another chance from a free kick as Tebar fells the Argentine just outside the box. In truth, 4-1 would be harsh on Almeria.
Messi does indeed take the resulting set piece, but his effort hits the wall before deflecting high and wide of the crossbar. The home side make their third and final change moments later as Tello replaces Neymar.
GOAL! Barcelona 4-1 Almeria (Xavi)
Xavi caps his man-of-the-match performance by collecting possession on the edge of the box before whipping his effort into the corner of the net. Brilliant from the Spanish midfielder.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. I would not rule out another goal for Barcelona as the home side continue to flood the Almeria box.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Barcelona to score their fifth as the ball drops for Tello just inside the Almeria box, but his effort whistles wide of the post. Moments later, Iniesta is denied by Esteban following bright work from Messi.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 4-1 Almeria
So there we have it. Barcelona move into second spot in the table with a 4-1 win over Almeria, who remain in 17th position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
