Raphinha and Yamal fire Barcelona past 10-man Villarreal
Barcelona moved four points clear at the top of La Liga after a 2-0 victory over Villarreal on December 21, 2025. Raphinha scored an early penalty and Lamine Yamal added a second as the Catalans took advantage of a first-half red card for Villarreal’s Renato Veiga. The win marks Hansi Flick’s eighth straight league triumph and keeps Barcelona ahead of rivals Real Madrid. Villarreal suffered their first home defeat of the season just before the winter break.
Match highlights
- Raphinha won and converted a penalty in the 12th minute to put Barcelona ahead on December 21, 2025.
- Renato Veiga was sent off for a late tackle on Lamine Yamal before halftime, leaving Villarreal with 10 men.
- Yamal scored Barcelona’s second goal in the 63rd minute after a scramble in the box.
- Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan Garcia made several key saves to secure a third consecutive clean sheet.
- The win keeps Barcelona four points clear at the top, while Villarreal suffered their first home loss of the season.
