Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona have re-installed their four-point lead on the high of La Liga, having defeated 10-man Villarreal at La Ceramica.
Raphinha returned to the left wing for this one, with Fermin Lopez having been introduced in for Marcus Rashford. The Brazilian scored twice final weekend within the victory over Osasuna, and from 12 yards, after he was felled contained in the penalty space by Villarreal midfielder Santi Comesana.
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Renato Veiga was despatched off for the house facet within the closing levels of the primary half, which made Barcelona’s activity simpler. The defender, who joined Villarreal in the summertime from Chelsea, went in on Lamine Yamal’s foot, and it was deemed to be critical foul play by referee Javier Alberola Rojas.
Having the person benefit allowed Barcelona to manage proceedings for the remaining minutes, however they nonetheless needed to be alert. Joan Garcia was pressured into a number of vital saves as Villarreal sought a purpose, however ultimately, it was the Catalans that struck the second of the afternoon.
Picture through Alex Caparros/Getty Photos
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On 63 minutes, a scramble contained in the Villarreal penalty field ended with . The 18-year-old had been a menace all through the competition, and it was a deserved second for him so as to add to his tally for the season.
Barcelona finish 2025 on a optimistic word with one other win
Marcus Rashford missed a giant probability to attain a 3rd for Barcelona after he was performed via by de Jong, however ultimately, it didn’t matter. The Catalans have now gained their final eight matches in La Liga, and it ensures that they finish 2026 with a four-point cushion over closest challengers Actual Madrid, which is a significantly better place than they discovered themselves final season.