Yamal strikes as Barcelona punish 10-man Villarreal

Barcelona has secured a composed 2-0 LaLiga victory at Villarreal on Sunday thanks to goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in a match that tilted firmly in the visitors' favour when the hosts were reduced to 10 men just before the break.

Barcelona moved on to 46 points, ensuring they head into the new year top of the standings, four points ahead of Real Madrid. Villarreal are fourth on 35.

It took just 12 minutes for Barcelona to take the lead from the penalty spot after Santi Comesana blocked Raphinha with his back as the winger tried to break through and the Brazilian calmly converted the spot-kick.

Villarreal’s Renato Veiga mistimed his challenge and slid in late on Lamine Yamal, catching him directly on the foot and leaving the 18-year-old in pain. Veiga was shown a straight red card six minutes before halftime, and Yamal was able to return to action after medical treatment.

Yamal netted Barcelona’s second in the 63rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after a flurry of chances that Villarreal’s defence failed to clear.

“The red card was indisputable. The hostility toward Lamine, he has to deal with it. Scoring the second goal is the best response," Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said.

Villarreal continued to put up a fight despite their numerical disadvantage, with Georges Mikautadze breaking clear only to be denied twice by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who produced sharp saves from both the initial effort and the rebound before a third attempt drifted wide.

“Joan Garcia saved us with a clean sheet. The team is tired. In defence, we did not have many options either. I am proud of my players," Flick said.

“Villarreal have an excellent team. They are very quick in attack, I am very happy with these three points."