Late double gives Barcelona victory against Villarreal

Barcelona got themselves the three points after beating Villarreal in an entertaining La Liga encounter. After a goalless first half which saw Barca hit the post twice early on and be on top for 20 minutes, the home side then took charge.

The goals came in the second period and Frenkie de Jong put the visitors ahead after 48 minutes. Chukwueze deservedly levelled for the hosts 14 minutes from time, but a defensive error by Pervis Estupinan was punished by Memphis Depay late on and then a Philippe Coutinho penalty completed the scoring.  The result flattered Xavi's men as up until the second Barca goal, the game was perfectly in the balance. Villarreal put up a very good show, but ultimately came up just short in a match which was frenetic from the off.

Abde had a header tipped onto the bar by Villarreal keeper Rulli after four minutes before Danjuma saw his goalbound effort blocked by Pique at the other end. Memphis Depay hit wide for the visitors before Gavi struck the base of the upright when hit a strike across the Villarreal. All of that occurred in the first 10 minutes. After that, Depay was played in by De Jong, but he failed to hit the target and then Villarreal took over after 25 minutes. 

Yeremi Pino headed one on the top of the net and then Pau Torres missed the target with a free header from six yards out from a corner. Danjuma was once again sharp for the home side and he was denied by Ter Stegen's chest and the Yellow Submarine were doing the pressing. They were the happier going into half-time, but they suffered the worst possible start to the second half. 

 

November 27, 2021

Frenkie de Jong scored for the away side after Jordi Alba put in a cross, Depay saw his effort saved by Rulli and then De Jong tapped in the rebound. It was originally given offside, but the VAR awarded it after a lengthy review. Villarreal weren't deterred though and Raul Albiol wanted a penalty for a shirt pull by Eric Garcia, but the referee was not interested. 14 minutes from time, they were level after Barca lost the ball from a throw in and Danjuma passed to Chukwueze who made no mistake. 

Villarreal continued to look the stronger and Estupinan, Trigueros and Danjuma all had opportunities, but disaster struck in the 88th minute. A long punt downfield by Barca GK ter Stegen was headed back towards his own goal by Estupinan. However, it was underhit and Depay got their before Albiol before going round the keeper and slotting through the legs of Estupinan on the goalline. That was a hammer blow for Unai Emery's side and they never recovered from it.

In stoppage time, Coutinho was brought down by Juan Foyth and the official had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The Brazilian took it himself and scored despite Rulli going the right way to seal the points for the visitors.