Barcelona has restored their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with an entertaining victory over 10-man Villarreal.
In a breathless opening, Hansi Flick’s side took a 12th-minute lead against the run of play when Raphinha converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the penalty area by Santi Comesana.
Raphinha was unfortunate not to double his – and Barcelona’s – tally in the first half when he rattled the crossbar with a venomous effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The second half was a less frantic affair as Barcelona looked to press home their numerical advantage, and Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior needed to be at full stretch to prevent Fermin Lopez from finding the bottom corner not long after the restart.
Lamine Yamal settled the outcome, however, poking the ball into the far corner for his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.
Villarreal, who had won their last six La Liga games, were reduced to 10 men in the 39th minute when former Chelsea youngster Renato Veiga was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge from behind on Yamal.
Edited by Favour Owonibi.