Superb Barcelona sinks Villarreal in style

Following Thursday’s shocking defeat at Monaco, Barcelona returned to La Liga with a devastating 5-1 win away at Villarreal to extend their away head-to-head unbeaten run against the Yellow Submarines, which dates back to October 2007.

The two sides showed great intent in the early minutes of the tie, but it was Barca who drew the first blood in the first twenty minutes and never looked back from there.

After their early back and forth, Roberto Lewandowski broke the deadlock with a calm finish from Pablo Torre’s pass.

He added Barca’s second goal in the thirty-five minute when Eric Garcia’s header took a touch off Villarreal’s Conde and fell to him.

Respite came the way of Marcelino’s Villarreal side shortly after Lewandowski’s second when Pépé raced behind and squared the ball for Ayoze Pèrez to put in the back of the net.

Before half-time, the hosts came close to adding another goal before they were denied by the on-rushing Ter Stegen, who was forced off injured due to his landing after collecting the ball – he was replaced by Iñaki Peña.

The second half was a dramatic one. Pépé thought he had scored Villarreal’s second goal, which was ruled out for offside. Soon after, Eric Bailly conceded a penalty after fouling youngster Lamine Yamal, but the ensuing Lewandowski’s penalty was met by the crossbar.

Hansi Flick’s side had their own share of an offside brouhaha when Thierno Barry headed home but from an offside position.

Finally, Raphinha got on the score sheet by hitting a shot that deflected off Bailly and bounced past Conde.

The Brazilian struck again from a fascinating Yamal pass eight minutes later, adding an extra layer of gloss as Barcelona continued the club’s perfect start to their campaign in La Liga, ensuring they will remain top.