Alex suarez

La Liga: Two goals from midfielder Fermin Lopez gifted FC Barcelona a 2-0 win away to Almeria on Thursday and consolidated their second place in the La Liga table.

Barca's win, coupled with Girona's home defeat to Villarreal on Tuesday, gives Xavi Hernandez's side a four-point cushion over their nearest rivals with just two games remaining.

Lopez's first goal against a team already condemned to relegation came after 14 minutes when he arrived at the far post to meet a cross from young defender Hector Font.