Overview
- Raphinha converted an early penalty and Lamine Yamal added a second-half strike to secure the win at La Cerámica.
- Villarreal's Renato Veiga was sent off with a direct red card in the 39th minute for a dangerous challenge on Yamal.
- Goalkeeper Joan García made multiple decisive saves to keep a clean sheet and steady Barcelona during Villarreal's strong spells.
- Barcelona close 2025 on 46 points, four clear of Real Madrid, extend their LaLiga winning streak to eight and hand Villarreal their first home loss of the league season.
- Hansi Flick managed absences and rotation as Pedri sat out with muscle discomfort, Dani Olmo was sidelined by a left-shoulder dislocation, and Ferran Torres started with Robert Lewandowski on the bench; Atlético de Madrid beat Girona 3-0 to stay in touch near the top.