Goals: Pulido 33'; Uche 85' - Krkic 18'; Eto'o 59'

Barcelona’s pursuit of Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid hit another hurdle on Sunday evening after the Catalan giants could only draw 2-2 at Almeria.

Madrid’s 1-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday night opened the door for Barca to reduce the deficit to their arch-rivals to five points.

But they could not manage it, despite taking the lead twice, with Nigerian striker Kalu Uche heading a late equalizer for the hosts.

Bojan Krkic and Samuel Eto’o scored for Frank Rijkaard’s side with Ruben Pulido and Uche replying.

Barcelona were also forced to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of defender Gabi Milito for a second bookable offence.

Almeria: Diego Alves, Rekarte, Juanito, Pulido, Badias, Corona, Crusat (Uche 79'), Ortiz (Ortiz 64'), Melo, Mane, Negredo.

Barcelona: Valdes, Abidal, Thuram, Puyol, G.Milito, Edmilson (Henry 55'), Xavi, Iniesta, Gudjohnsen (Sanchez 90'), Eto'o, Krkic (Sylvinho 74').