Villarreal hosted Barcelona in the 17th round of La Liga (0:2).

A few days ago, both teams played matches in the Copa del Rey. Barcelona advanced easily, defeating their opponent 2:0, while Villarreal unexpectedly exited against Racing from the second division. Thus, the teams approached today’s match in different moods: one full of confidence, the other with the bitterness of failure.

Right from the start of the match, Villarreal actively pushed forward and already in the 2nd minute had a chance: Pepe received a cross in the penalty area and headed it, but the ball went past the post. A few minutes later, another attempt was thwarted by Garcia, keeping the goal safe.

Despite all of Villarreal’s efforts, in the 12th minute, Barcelona earned a penalty, which Raphinha confidently converted, directing the ball into the opposite corner from the goalkeeper.

Villarreal immediately after the conceded goal created a great opportunity: Buchanan struck from the edge of the penalty area toward the goal, but missed. In the very next attack, Raphinha was close to a brace, but the ball hit the crossbar after his shot.

The home team even equalized when Kounde sent the ball past his own goalkeeper, but fortunately for Barcelona, an offside was called in that play – the goal was disallowed.

Before the end of the first half, both teams created a few more chances, but the most attention was drawn to the episode in the 39th minute – a straight red card for Renato Veiga for a rough foul against Lamine Yamal.

The teams went into the break with Barcelona holding a minimal lead.

Already after the break, Yamal could have increased the advantage, but the goalkeeper dealt with his shot. However, less than twenty minutes later, the goalkeeper was powerless against another shot from Lamine – 0:2.

Villarreal tried with all possible means to score, but the ball stubbornly refused to go into Barcelona’s net. In the end, the match concluded with Barcelona’s victory, as they continue to lead the La Liga standings and have pulled away from Real by four points.