Barcelona squeeze past Villarreal in 3-1 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica

Xavi's squad earned a valuable away win and three points against Villarreal

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Villarreal on home loss to Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday. Villarreal arrived with the intention of increasing their league score after a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo whilst Barca were looking to extend their winning run after a 1-0 victory against Espanyol. At the moment, Villarreal are in 12th place on the table and has 16 points while Barca sit in 7th with 23 points after 15 matches.

Following a goalless first half, Whatever was said in the dressing room at half time, seemed to have a positive effect on Barca who started the second half well, with an early goal from Frenkie De Jong in the 48th minute. However, the good fortune didn't last for long. An equalizer from Samuel Chukwueze, 76 minutes in brought Villarreal level. However, each side looked hungry to win and Los Blaugranas then found the back of the net in the 88th minute thanks to Memphis Depay, taking the score to 2-1. However they weren't finished yet and Philippe Coutinho made it 3-1 just before the final whistle to make it 3-1.

Both teams used all available substitutes. For Villarreal, Pervis Estupinan, Samuel Chukwueze and Daniel Raba, came on for Alfonso Pedraza, Yeremi Pino and Manu Trigueros, Barca brought on Ousmane Dembele, Óscar Mingueza and Philippe Coutinho, to replace Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Jordi Alba and Nicolas Gonzalez.

There were bookings for Yeremi Pino and Daniel Raba from Villarreal, and Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique, for Barca.

Villarreal will play away against Seville, while Barca will face Real Betis at home.