VILLARREAL, Spain: Barcelona 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’ favor when the hosts were reduced to 10 men just before the break.
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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.
