Barcelona travel to Andalusia to face off against UD Almeria in what could be a pivotal result at this stage of the league campaign. The team will be focusing purely on this game and not yet lost in focus on the El Clasico ahead afterwards, as Xavi himself acknowledged during his pre-match press conference.
Barcelona vs Almeria: Match Details
Date: Sunday, 26th February 2023
Time: 06:30 pm Central European Time
Venue: Municipal Stadium of the Mediterranean Games
Competition: La Liga Santander
Matchday: 23
Referee: Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias
Barcelona vs Almeria: Match Overview
Following the result of the Madrid Derbi hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu, the 1-1 draw puts Real Madrid 7 points behind FC Barcelona with the latter having played a game less. Should FC Barcelona manage to overcome Almeria in this upcoming La Liga clash, they would go 10 points clear of Real Madrid with both teams having played the exact same number of games, 23.
Coming into this game, Barcelona would definitely be feeling the weight of their recent loss to Manchester United, in a game where their European progress would have been dictated this season. Knowing where and how they failed to capitalize on an opportunity, there exist two potential outcomes as to the aftermath of that loss.
Barcelona could either go deep into a slump of a vulnerable mentality and let that loss act as a detrimental catalyst to a downfall of both form and competitiveness, or it could spark new hunger within this team of veteran professionals and success-hungry young gems.
The latter is what fans of the Blaugrana and Xavi himself will be betting on, for the season is still young. La Liga and the Copa Del Ray become absolute priorities, and for that those donning the Catalan outfits will need to pull themselves right back up.
In terms of league form, the difference could not be more drastic. FC Barcelona have 7 wins out of their last 7 games and currently lead the league table with a healthy 7-point advantage, having accumulated a total of 59 points in the process.
On the contrary, their Andalusian opponents currently sit in the relegation zone. Placed at 19th, Almeria have 4 losses and a singular win from their last 5 La Liga outings and have thus far accumulated only 22 points after 22 matchdays.
A must-win game for FC Barcelona, the Blaugrana will need to ensure they do not let any opportunities slip past whenever and wherever they can capitalize on a stumble by Real Madrid.