Barcelona returned to winning ways in La Liga with a resounding 5-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday, with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scoring twice. The result follows a midweek disappointment in the Champions League against Monaco but reaffirms Barcelona’s dominance in domestic football under Hansi Flick.
First-Half Action: Lewandowski’s Brace
Lewandowski opened the scoring for Barcelona with two early goals, finding the net twice inside the first 35 minutes. His clinical finishing helped Barca take control of the game, demonstrating why he remains one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
Villarreal, however, managed to pull one back shortly before half-time. Ayoze Perez capitalized on a defensive lapse, reducing the deficit and giving Villarreal a glimmer of hope.
Second-Half Surge: Raphinha and Torre Seal the Win
The second half saw Barcelona extend their lead through Pablo Torre, who made it 3-1 just after the break. Villarreal’s defense struggled to contain Barcelona’s attacking threats, and it was Raphinha who put the game beyond doubt. The Brazilian winger added two late goals, rounding off a dominant performance for the Catalan side.
However, the win was marred by an injury to goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. The German international was forced off just before half-time after a painful fall, and his absence could be a concern for Barcelona as they continue their campaign.
Dominance in La Liga
With this victory, Barcelona have now won their opening six matches in La Liga under Hansi Flick. This latest triumph also extends their winning streak in the league to 10 matches, dating back to the end of last season. The last time Barcelona achieved such a streak was in 2017 when Lionel Messi was still at the club.
Barcelona’s attacking prowess has been a standout feature of their season so far. They have now scored 23 goals across all competitions, only trailing Bayern Munich’s 29 goals. Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Villarreal managed to create chances of their own, amassing 2.11 xG (expected goals). Barcelona’s defensive frailties were evident, something Flick will likely address moving forward.
Race at the Top
This win allows Barcelona to maintain their position at the top of La Liga, four points clear of reigning champions Real Madrid. With a blend of seasoned stars like Lewandowski and emerging talents such as Raphinha and Torre, Barca’s squad looks primed for a strong title challenge this season.
Barcelona’s emphatic win over Villarreal not only demonstrated their firepower in attack but also highlighted areas for improvement defensively. As Hansi Flick continues to make his mark on the team, Barcelona fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this blistering form throughout the season and secure domestic and European glory.