Barcelona continued their La Liga winning run on Sunday with a professional 2-0 victory over Villarreal at La Ceramica.
Goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal secured a vital win that helped Hansi Flick’s charge re-establish their four points lead at the top of the LaLiga summit, ensuring they conclude the year as leaders.
Barcelona Player Ratings
Joan Garcia – 7.5
The summer acquisition continues to prove his worth between the posts. He produced several high-level interventions throughout the afternoon, standing firm to deny the hosts and ensuring the Catalan side left with a clean sheet.
Jules Kounde – 6.5
A solid if somewhat unspectacular outing for the Frenchman on the right flank. He managed his defensive duties well before his afternoon was cut short by a late injury concern that forced him off.
Pau Cubarsi – 7
The teenage sensation showed composure beyond his years in a hostile environment. He read the game expertly and was vital in organizing the backline against a Villarreal side that looked dangerous on the break.
Gerard Martin – 7
The defender provided the necessary grit at the heart of the defense. His physical presence and tidiness were key in neutralizing the opposition’s aerial threats during periods of heavy pressure.
Alejandro Balde – 6.5
He provided his usual burst of pace and width on the left. While he wasn’t always finding the final ball, his recovery speed was essential in tracking back whenever the Yellow Submarine attempted to counter.
Eric Garcia – 6
Filling in a defensive role, the Spaniard kept things tidy and uncomplicated. He focused on maintaining his position and recycling possession, though he was eventually replaced as the manager sought to give deserved rest.
Frenkie de Jong – 8
Inserted into the lineup following Pedri’s injury, the Dutchman seized his opportunity with a dominant performance. He dictated the tempo from the center of the park and provided a clinical assist for the second goal.
Fermin Lopez – 6.5
A very mobile performance from the midfielder, who found pockets of space effectively. While his movement was excellent, he lacked a bit of clinical edge in the final third to truly punish the defenders.
Lamine Yamal – 7.5
The winger was a constant thorn in the side of the home defense. His dribbling and vision were on full display, and he was eventually rewarded for his persistence with a well-taken goal in the second half.
Raphinha – 7.5
The Brazilian appears to be rediscovering his peak form. He won an early penalty with a sharp run and coolly converted it himself, and he remained a threat until he was substituted late on.
Ferran Torres – 6
It was a quiet afternoon for the forward, who struggled to exert his influence on the game. He put in the work defensively but was replaced early in the second half as the team looked for a different offensive spark.
Substitutes
Robert Lewandowski – 6
Coming off the bench, the Polish striker nearly made an instant impact. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, his presence occupied defenders and helped create space for others.
Marcus Rashford – 6.5
The Englishman brought fresh energy and verticality to the attack. He consistently pressured a tiring Villarreal defense and provided a different dimension during the final stages.
Marc Casado – 6
Stepped into the right-back role following Kounde’s injury and performed his duties without fuss, helping to see out the result.
Marc Bernal (Sub Appearance) – 6
Earning more valuable first-team minutes, he showed flashes of his high ceiling and growing comfort at this level as he continues his integration into the squad.