Almería 2 - Barcelona 2

Almería: Diego Alves; López Rekarte, Carlos García, Pulido (Iriney 80'), Mané; Felipe Melo, Juanito, Corona; Juanma Ortiz (José Ortiz 63'), Negredo, Crusat (Kalu Uche 80'). 4-3-3.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Puyol, Thuram, Milito, Abidal; Xavi, Edmilson (Henry 53'), Gudjohnsen (Víctor Sánchez 92'); Bojan (Sylvinho 75'), Eto'o, Iniesta. 4-3-3.

Team changes: Almería: López Rekarte, Juanma Ortíz for Bruno, José Ortiz / Barça: Puyol, Edmilson, Gudjohnsen, Bojan for Zambrotta, Toure Yaya, Henry, Ronaldinho.

Goals:
0-1. 16. Bojan. Following up after Diego Alves pushed out shot from Iniesta.
1-1. 32. Pulido. Steered header wide of Víctor Valdés from Corona corner.
1-2. 56. Eto'o. Stabbed ball past keeper after Henry crossed in from by-line.
2-2. 86. Kalu Uche. Got in front of marker to head Corona corner wide of Valdés.

Barcelona failed to take advantage of Real Madrid's defeat the day before, Frank Rijkaard's side being held to a 2-2 draw at Almería. The Mediterranean stadium was packed for a first league visit from the Catalan giants, and the locals got off to a lively start with Crusat failing to take advantage of an early chance. With just over a quarter of an hour gone however Bojan put the visitors ahead after Alves could only push out Iniesta's shot.

Almería equalised though later in the first half when Pulido headed home Corona's corner, yet another set piece goal from the dead-ball specialists. And Melo and Mané both went close as the locals gained confidence against their bigger rivals. Bojan brought a good save out of Alves at the other end before the break though, and ten minutes after the restart substitute Henry cut through from the left wing and laid the ball across for Eto'o to restore the lead.

Negredo headed wide following another pre-rehearsed move following a corner, but Alves had to be on his toes again to keep out Henry. Barça were left with ten men however after Milito was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Kalu Uche made it all square again with another header from a Corona corner four minutes from the end. Another great result for Unai Emery's side, and Barça ended the weekend still seven points behind the leaders, with Villarreal now barking at their heels.