Barcelona are straight back into domestic action this weekend after a defeat to Manchester United in the week saw them exit the Europa League at the playoffs stage with Xavi set to take his men on the road to meet with Almeria.
Barcelona went toe-to-toe with United throughout most of their two legs together in Europe. They did lead in both games at one stage, but after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Spain, Barcelona would lose 2-1 at Old Trafford.
🎙️ Xavi on #MUFCBarça: pic.twitter.com/KipPJ6dbjL— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 24, 2023
🎙️ Xavi on #MUFCBarça: pic.twitter.com/KipPJ6dbjL
Things looked great for the club early on, as Robert Lewandowski scored a penalty in the 18th minute. However, two second half goals from United sent them crashing out.
It does now mean all attention turns to action on the domestic front for Barcelona, with them set to play against El Clasico rivals Real Madrid over two legs in the Copa del Rey, while they also look set to take home another La Liga title this season.
Xavi's side, despite letting in four goals against United over two legs, sit with the best defensive record on the continent still. They've so far let in a spectacular seven goals and continue to break records with their lack of goals conceded and plenty of clean sheets.
They've also only lost once in the league to Real Madrid and drawn two other games to force them eight clear of them in second.
Barcelona beat Cadiz at the Camp Nou last weekend, as Sergi Roberto and Lewandowski scored goals in the final two minutes of the first half. It has now extended Barcelona's winning run in the league to seven since drawing with Espanyol at the end of 2022.
What's more, they've also eased into the Copa del Rey latter stages and beaten Real in the Supercopa de Espana final back in mid-January.
As for Almeria, they come into this one off the back of three defeats in a row. Rayo Vallecano beat them first, before Real Betis edged them out in a 3-2 win. Girona would then smash the club 6-2, in what is Rubi's biggest loss this season as head coach of the club.
Rubi's side do still sit 17th as a result and they are only above the relegation zone by goals difference. On the other hand, only Elche in last place have conceded more than their record of 40 goals, with Almeria netting 27 of their own.
Forebet predicts a win for Barcelona here and for the game to see over 2.5 goals.