Fermin López scored both goals as Barcelona defeated last-place Almeria 2-0 to move closer to securing second place in the Spanish league.

Earlier Betis and Las Palmas shared the spoils in an entertaining battle which finished 2-2, with a point not entirely pleasing either side.

Barcelona have strengthened their grip on second place in La Liga thanks to a 2-0 win over already relegated Almeria on Thursday night. Xavi’s side had been soundly beaten by Girona at the start of the month but have now won back-to-back games since,

Almería are an attacking side that have nothing to lose at this point of the season, so the hosts played on the front foot from the get-go, defending with a high line, pressing Barça near their own goal and using every opportunity they had on the ball to move it quickly from back to front and try to create problems.

W ELCOME TO THE POWER HORSE STADIUM!!! The cozy home of Almería in the beautiful region of Andalusia is the site of an important La Liga clash between the hosts and Barcelona, who come into this one looking for a victory that will be a major step towards clinching second place.