Barcelona 3-2 Almeria: Sergi Roberto double spares hosts' blushes

Sergi Roberto's two second-half goals rescued a 3-2 home win for champions Barcelona against bottom side Almeria in LaLiga on Wednesday, ending their three-game winless streak in all competitions as they head into the Christmas break.

Barcelona, who had previously been held to a 1-1 draw at Valencia and beaten 4-2 at home by league leaders Girona, moved up to third place with 38 points from 18 games.

They are six points behind Girona and four points behind Real Madrid, who play Real Betis and Alaves on Thursday.

The game was level at halftime after Almeria forward Leo Baptistao cancelled out Raphinha's opener. Barcelona dominated the first half but squandered the vast majority of their 15 chances, five of which were on target.

Raphinha gave Barcelona the lead in the 33rd minute with a close-range rebound after Almeria keeper Luis Maximiano denied defender Ronald Araujo's header following a corner.

But Baptistao equalized for the visitors shortly before halftime with a chipped finish, a goal that was initially ruled out for offside but was reversed by the referee after a VAR check.

At the hour mark, Roberto restored Barcelona's lead, nodding home a corner, before Edgar Gonzalez equalized for Almeria and Roberto put Barcelona back in front, nutmegging Maximiano from close range.

The 31-year-old midfielder scored his first brace in all competitions for Barcelona, having played more than 350 games for the Catalan club.

Barcelona will play Las Palmas in LaLiga on January 4th.

Almeria, who have yet to win a league game this season, are still in last place with five points.

SportsLigue