Barcelona Grinds Out 3-2 Victory Over Almeria: Xavi Unhappy with Defensive Lapses but Lauds Sergi Roberto’s Heroic Performance
Barcelona clinched a hard-fought 3-2 win against Almeria at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, marking their return to winning ways. Despite twice taking the lead through Raphinha and Sergio Roberto, defensive lapses allowed Almeria to level on both occasions. Roberto’s late strike secured the three points for Barcelona in a frustrating evening that left head coach Xavi Hernandez dissatisfied with defensive errors, particularly highlighting mistakes by Ronald Araujo and Inaki Pena.
Key Points:
- Xavi expressed frustration with defensive lapses, emphasizing the team’s unacceptable first-half performance.
- Despite the challenges, Xavi praised match-winner Sergi Roberto for his exemplary work ethic and positive influence.
- Barcelona’s winter break begins with a mix of satisfaction and acknowledgment of areas that require improvement before their next competitive match against Las Palmas on January 4.
The article focuses on Barcelona’s victory, delving into defensive concerns, Xavi’s observations, and the positive impact of Sergi Roberto. It highlights the satisfaction heading into the winter break but acknowledges the need for improvement in the upcoming matches.