Bojan brace buoys Barça (0-2)

Raymond

FC Barcelona produced another flowing display to overcome Almeria in the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos and secured all three points thanks to two goals in quick succession after the break from Bojan Krkic.

After proving that they are back to their best in midweek against Olympique Lyonnais, Pep Guardiola's side put on another emphatic performance to move six points clear at the top of the table and only a great performance from the opposition keeper ensured that the scoreline was not higher. Having taken their time to find their rhythm, the Blaugrana began to play shortly before the interval and then continued after the restart and it was during that period that both goals came from young Bojan, who had been chosen to start the encounter ahead of Samuel Eto'o.

Opening exchanges

In the opening few minutes, Barça were unable to find their feet and settle into their usual attacking role as Hugo Sánchez had set his side up to try and stop Barcelona from passing around the midfield and then finding the front players, one of whom was Andres Iniesta as he started on the left as Thierry Henry joined Eto'o on the substitutes' bench.

Blaugrana control

Despite not being at their best, Barça still created chances as Seydou Keita was the first to test Diego Alves after ten minutes with a fierce shot and Xavi then warmed the keeper's gloves five minutes later and Dani Alves did the same shortly before the half-hour mark. The visitors began to control the game, but Almiera showed that they still needed to be watched as Crusat came close to converting as he kept Víctor Valdés on his toes after evading the attentions of Touré Yaya and Rafael Márquez before the break.

Hat-trick of saves

Shortly before half-time, Barcelona had their best period and Alves his busiest as the Almeria custodian was called up on to make a hat-trick of saves. Iniesta was the first to test the keeper and Messi did so soon after before Gerard Piqué saw a header from point-blank range kept out. It appeared to be only a matter of time before the visitors took the lead.

Bojan double

Guardiola's team talk appeared to have the desired effect as his side came out looking even better then they had done in the first and just seven minutes later they were ahead. Iniesta found Messi, he cut across Acasiete before striking the post with a low drive and Bojan pounced on the rebound to slide the ball into the net. Three minutes later it was two as Alves advanced towards the area before finding Messi, who in turn back-heeled to Iniesta, he flicked back to Alves and the Brazilian found Bojan.

Comfortable win

While Almeria were thankful to their keeper for keeping them in the game for a long time, Barcelona's confidence will have risen even more after what proved to be a comfortable victory. Patience was the key to the victory as Guardiola's side kept doing what they know best until the breakthrough came and allowed them to pick up the points.