Barcelona move four points clear after defeating Villarreal

Barcelona restored their four-point lead at the top of La Liga with a 2-0 win over 10-man Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 12th minute, converting a penalty after being fouled by Santi Comesana. Villarreal, unbeaten in their last six league games, were reduced to 10 men in the 39th minute when Renato Veiga received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

The game was effectively settled in the 63rd minute as teenager Lamine Yamal poked home from close range following a scramble in the penalty area, marking his ninth goal of the season.

Villarreal had early opportunities to take the lead. Nicolas Pepe headed wide from close range, while Ayoze Perez saw a deflected shot go off target before sending a tame effort into the arms of Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Pepe also hit the post in a one-on-one with Garcia, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Barcelona controlled the second half, exploiting their numerical advantage. Fermin Lopez came close to extending the lead, but it was Yamal’s finish that sealed the victory. Late chances for Villarreal, including one from Georges Mikautadze, were denied by Garcia as Barcelona stretched their winning run in La Liga to eight matches.