Barcelona picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over Almeria in La Liga on Saturday, with Gerard Pique being impressive in his final game.
Second half goals from Ousmane Dembele and Frenkie de Jong sealed the three points for Barcelona at home against Almeria. The win takes Barcelona to the top of La Liga with 34 points. They are two points clear of defending champions Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.
On the other hand, the defeat leaves Almeria 15th in the table with just 13 points from 13 league games. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at how the Barcelona players fared during the game.
Full Time! #Sempr3 pic.twitter.com/GYvKJes6E2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 5, 2022
Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7/10
The German goalkeeper had a comfortable outing against Almeria, and he was barely troubled throughout the game. He pulled off an important save from Largie Ramazani, and his distribution was top notch.
Alejandro Balde: 8/10
The young left-back was deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role in this game, and he was outstanding for his side. Balde was excellent going forward, and his recovery pace helped Barcelona immensely in the defence as well.
Gerard Pique: 8/10
The Spaniard played his last game for Barcelona, and he put on a solid display for his side. Pique captained the side on the night and did not put a foot wrong. His passing from the back was impeccable as well. Walked off to a standing ovation.
Pique went through all the emotions after the final game of his career 🥺 pic.twitter.com/xIr4YrOZOu
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 5, 2022
Marcos Alonso: 5/10
The left-back was deployed in the role of a centre-back, and he looked a fish out of water. Alonso, in advanced talks to extend his contract, struggled throughout the game, and Xavi Hernandez needs to seriously consider using him in his natural role for the remainder of the campaign.
Jordi Alba: 8/10
An excellent performance from the experienced left-back as he bombed forward constantly and linked up well with Ferran Torres. Alba played a big role in the second goal of the game as well. One of his best performances of the season.
Sergio Busquets: 6.5.10
Busquets created the opening goal of the game for Ousmane Dembele, but his passing was sub-par on the night. The Barcelona captain gave the ball away way too often, and it was an uncharacteristic performance from a player who is known for his discipline on the ball.
Pedri: 7/10
Pedri looked confident on the ball and linked up with the attackers. He had a chance to score a headed goal but missed the opportunity. The youngster worked tirelessly without the ball and helped out Barcelona defensively.
Frenkie De Jong: 7/10
His error handed Almeria their best opportunity to score. But de Jong improved immensely after that. Almeria struggled to cope with his bulldozing runs through the middle. He linked up well with the attackers and scored the second goal of the game. Excellent in possession.
De Jong's goal is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful❤️💙❤️💙
— جولو🇸🇦 (@Juliaa668) November 5, 2022
Ferran Torres: 7.5/10
The Spanish forward worked hard throughout the game and had multiple opportunities to score. However, he finished without a goal. Torres won a penalty early on in the game, which was missed by Robert Lewandowski. Overall, a solid display.
Robert Lewandowski: 5/10
The Polish international was not at his best on the night. Lewandowski missed chances to get on the scoresheet and failed to convert from the penalty spot either. He will be disappointed given his recent run of form.
Ousmane Dembele: 6.5/10
The Frenchman had a mixed performance on the night. Dembele scored an impressive goal in the second half but missed two glorious chances as well. His decision making on the ball was far from perfect. A frustrating watch.
SUBSTITUTES
Ansu Fati: 6/10
Ansu Fati made an immediate impact after coming on and could have had a hat-trick on another day. He missed two easy chances and was flagged offside when he eventually found the back of the net.
Gavi: 6.5/10
Gavi came on to add some control in the middle of the park and did just that. He worked hard off the ball as well.
Raphinha: 6/10
Raphinha worked hard defensively but could not make much of an impact going forward after coming on.
Andreas Christensen: N/A
Christensen came on too late to make any meaningful impact.
