Barcelona beat ten man Villarreal 2-0 as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored to restore a four point LaLiga lead after Renato Veiga’s first half red card.
Barcelona restored their four point lead at the top of LaLiga with a 2-0 victory away to Villarreal on Sunday night. Goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal secured the points at Estadio de la Cerámica, with the hosts playing more than half the match with ten men.
The result ensured Hansi Flick’s side ended the calendar year in control of the title race. Villarreal, who had won their previous six league matches, were unable to recover after a costly first half dismissal.
Villarreal started on the front foot and created several early chances, threatening to take the lead before Barcelona had settled. Nicolas Pepe headed wide from close range, while Ayoze Perez saw one effort deflected and another saved by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Despite that pressure, Barcelona struck first in the 12th minute. Raphinha was brought down inside the area by Santi Comesana and converted the resulting penalty, sending Luiz Junior the wrong way to give the visitors the lead.
Raphinha continued to threaten and was unlucky not to score again before the break when his powerful strike from the edge of the box hit the crossbar.
The game turned decisively in the 39th minute when Villarreal were reduced to ten men. Renato Veiga was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge from behind on Lamine Yamal.
Villarreal thought they had equalised before half time when Jules Kounde turned Sergi Cardona’s low cross into his own net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside against Cardona in the buildup.
The second half was more controlled as Barcelona looked to make their numerical advantage count. Villarreal still posed a threat, with Pepe coming close and Garcia required to make further saves.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 63rd minute. After a scramble in the penalty area, Yamal reacted quickest to poke the ball into the far corner from close range. It was his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.
The visitors managed the closing stages comfortably, although Luiz Junior produced a strong save to deny Fermin Lopez. A late goal line clearance also prevented Barcelona from extending their lead further.
Raphinha’s influence was clear throughout, with the winger scoring the opener and consistently troubling the Villarreal defence. Yamal’s composure in front of goal proved decisive, while Joan Garcia’s first hlf saves ensured Barcelona remained in control.
The red card for Veiga proved a turning point, ending Villarreal’s resistance after a promising opening spell.
Barcelona have now won eight consecutive LaLiga matches and are unbeaten in their last 18 away league games against Villarreal, recording 14 wins and four draws. Robert Lewandowski made his 500th appearance in Europe’s top five leagues after coming on as a substitute. Barcelona have hit the woodwork 14 times in LaLiga this season, more than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues.
Barcelona return to league action after the winter break with a city derby against Espanyol on Saturday, January 3rd. Villarreal will aim to respond earlier that day when they travel to face Elche.
