Thomas Hindle

Barcelona player ratings vs Almeria: Robert Lewandowski and Gavi FLOP as embarrassing defeat opens title-race door for Real Madrid

Xavi's side suffered a second damaging defeat in the space of four days as they put in a miserable display on Sunday

Robert Lewandowski failed to make and impact while Gavi didn't create much as Barcelona suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to 19th-placed Almeria to allow Real Madrid back into La Liga's title race.

Almeria took the lead against the run of play, with El Bilal Toure lashing a shot in off the bar after running through on goal.

Barca pushed for an equaliser before half time, but failed to carve out a clear opening against a dogged Almeria back line.

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The Blaugrana looked void of ideas after the break and lacked movement in the final third — with Robert Lewandowski often caught static.

Madrid are still seven points behind Xavi's league-leaders, but the door is back open after it looked like it might be about to shut on the defending champions.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadio Mediterraneo...