Xavi tears into Lewandowski in tough half time talk as Barcelona survive against Almeria

Xavi Hernandez reportedly went after his players during a tough half-time talk in their game against Almeria on December 20.

Barcelona showed the same level of rustiness they have displayed this season, throwing their title defence into disarray.

The defending champions were expected to dominate the bottom-placed Almeria at home but struggled to get going.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute but were pegged back by Leo Baptistao four minutes before the break.

Xavi's reactions at half-time were telling, with the former Blaugrana captain withdrawing Joao Felix and Andreas Christensen after 45 minutes.

Football Espana reports that the head coach was raging in the dressing room, slamming the tactics board as he called the first-half performance a 'disgrace.'

The report further claims that Xavi singled out veteran striker Robert Lewandowski for criticism. The talk seemed to have had an effect on the Pole as he set up the Segi Roberto winner in the 83rd minute.

The former Bayern Munich striker has had his fair share of problems in front of goal, netting only eight times.

The likes of Jude Bellingham, Girona's Artem Dovybk and Getafe's Borja Mayoral have scored more goals than him in the top scorers chat.

Barcelona will return to action on January 4 after the Christmas break when they face Las Palmas before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Supercopa Espana.