Barcelona’s Lead Short Lived: Almeria Strikes Back to Level the Score Before Half Time

Barcelona, having toiled to secure a first-half breakthrough against Almeria at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, found their lead short-lived. The bottom side in La Liga, still without a league win this season, swiftly leveled the score just before half-time. Raphinha’s initial close-range finish was nullified by Leo Baptistao, whose goal, initially disallowed for offside, was ultimately awarded after a VAR check. The equalizer, stemming from a defensive error by Ronald Araujo, allowed Sergio Arribas to set up Baptistao for a successful 1-on-1 with Inaki Pena. As the halftime whistle blows, Barcelona faces the challenge of turning the tide in the second half to alleviate mounting pressure on Xavi Hernandez’s side.