Villarreal welcomed Barcelona to El Madrigal for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.
Barca entered the match as the favourites to advance following a 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Camp Nou last month.
Neymar sent Barca 1-0 ahead on the night early on, but Jonathan dos Santos levelled the scores before the interval.
Villarreal were reduced to 10 men just past the hour when Tomas Pina was given his marching orders, before Luis Suarez and Neymar both netted to secure a 6-2 aggregate victory for the visitors.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from El Madrigal as Villarreal welcome Barcelona for the second leg of their semi-final. Barca won the first leg 3-1 last month, but Villarreal will still be confident of turning this one around in front of their own supporters.
Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Ruiz, Costa; Pina, Trigueros, J.Dos Santos; Cheryshev, Vietto, Uche
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Montoya, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Rafinha; Suarez, Neymar, Messi
So there we have it. As expected, Villarreal boss Marcelino has recalled all of his big guns this evening in a team that shows seven changes from their 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the weekend. Leading scorer Luciano Vietto returns to the attack, with the Argentine operating alongside Denis Cheryshev and Ikechukwu Uche. Jonathan dos Santos and Manu Trigueros also return for the hosts.
For Barcelona, Marc-Andre ter Stegen takes Claudio Bravo's place between the sticks, while there is a surprise start for Martin Montoya at right-back, with Dani Alves only on the bench. Rafinha is preferred in midfield to Ivan Rakitic, while Andres Iniesta will once again skipper the Catalan outfit.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won each of the last five matches. In total, the two clubs have already met three times this season. As mentioned, Barca won the first leg of this semi-final 3-1, while they won 1-0 at Villarreal earlier this season, before recording a 3-2 victory in the reverse league match at the Camp Nou at the start of last month.
As mentioned, Villarreal lost twice against Barcelona last month, while they also lost at Rayo Vallecano during a difficult period for the Yellow Submarine. Marcelino's side have returned to their best form in recent games, however, winning three of their last four in all competitions. At the weekend, a second-string XI claimed a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the league – doing Barcelona a favour in the process.
Overall, it has been a very strong season for Villarreal. They are currently sixth in La Liga – just one point off fifth-place Sevilla, while they are in the last-16 stage of the Europa League. The Yellow Submarine have never reached the final of the Copa del Rey, but earned their spot at this stage with wins over Cadiz, Real Sociedad and Getafe. Can they find a way past Barcelona this evening?
Barcelona, meanwhile, have won the Copa del Rey on 26 occasions – making them the most successful team in the history of the competition. In the quarter-finals, Barca overcame Atletico Madrid, while they have also beaten Huesca and Elche to book their spot in the semi-finals. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Espanyol or Athletic Bilbao, who meet later tonight, in the final.
The Catalan outfit have won 13 of their last 14 games in all competitions, with their only blip occurring at home to Malaga in the league on February 21. Since then, they have won twice on the road – beating Manchester City in the first leg of their last-16 clash in the Champions League and overcoming Granada 3-1 in the league. The treble is still very much on for Luis Enrique's side.
PREDICTION! With Barcelona holding a 3-1 lead from the first leg, it is really difficult to back Villarreal. It would not be a surprise if they won on the night, but advancing to the final would take some performance. I think this one will end 2-2, with Barca advancing 5-3 on aggregate.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. As expected, there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Just a reminder that away goals count after 90 minutes and therefore the only score that would bring extra-time this evening is 3-1 Villarreal. It is a big, big ask for the Yellow Submarine to reach their first ever Copa del Rey final. As expected, Barcelona have taken control of the early possession here.
Barca are in their distinctive orange kit this evening, while Villarreal are in their normal yellow. It is almost a nervous moment in the Barca defence as Ter Stegen is forced to head clear a back-pass from Pique. Villarreal have a half-chance as Cheryshev heads a Costa cross just wide of the post.
Villarreal are pressing very, very high in the early moments, which is forcing Barca errors.
GOAL! Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona (Neymar)
Well, that did not take long! Barca take the lead on the night as Messi curls a sensational pass into Neymar, who finishes first time past Asenjo. Poor defending, but excellent finish.
Now, Villarreal need to score at least three times to just level this tie. Is it over? Possibly.
Plenty of tempo about Villarreal's work at the moment, but Barca are now in such a comfortable position in the tie. Cheryshev slides a pass into Uche inside the Barca box, but the Nigerian just turns the wrong way and the danger is cleared for a corner. Villarreal really need a quick response here.
CHANCE! Oh my word! Incredible chance for Cheryshev to level the scores on the night as the ball falls for the Russian from a corner, but his effort is high and wide. He just had to score.
Suarez and Mascherano are both walking fine lines for Barca tonight - a yellow for either would bring a suspension for the final. Villarreal have another half-chance as Cheryshev picks Rafinha's pocket outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Well, this has been some opening 10 minutes!
Another half-chance for the away side as Alba clips a wonderful pass towards Neymar, but Asenjo flies through the air to clear the danger. Villarreal really need to sort out their defensive line here.
Another half-chance for the home side as Costa delivers onto the head of Vietto, but his effort is straight into the arms of Ter Stegen. This high-tempo match continues to flow from end-to-end.
Messi is seriously in the mood tonight as he collects possession before attempting another through pass towards Neymar, but Asenjo is just out to collect. Neymar and Messi are tormenting the hosts.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of minutes following some untidy challenges from both sets of players. So much has happened in the opening 16 minutes - chances for both teams and of course, Neymar's goal, which has placed Barca in complete control.
Barca must have been working on the through ball in training this week because it is occurring each time a midfielder has some space. Villarreal remain a threat down the other end and have a half-chance through Uche, but his low strike hits the side netting. Another good Villarreal moment.
The match has not really settled yet, which is a surprise, with both sides attempting to move the ball quickly in the final third. Messi has attempted a couple more through balls, but Villarreal appear to have sorted out their defensive line. Just a reminder that Barca currently lead 4-1 on aggregate.
CHANCE! Cheryshev again stings the palms of Ter Stegen following another bright Villarreal move. The Yellow Submarine are really threatening, with Cheryshev the most likely thus far.
Barca have just settled the match in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession, which is frustrating the home supporters. We have not seen too much from Luis Suarez tonight though.
Villarreal continue to press high, but the referee has blown for a couple of free kicks, which has not gone down well with the team in yellow. Everything from Barcelona is going through Messi, but the Argentine has mis-placed a couple of balls in the last few moments. Still 1-0 Barca on the night.
CHANCE! Another wonderful pass from Messi brings an excellent chance for Barca, but Iniesta is denied by Asenjo from close range. Messi really is the master at those type of balls.
Vietto remains a threat for Villarreal as the Argentine takes possession from Busquets before driving to the edge of the box, but Pique is across to make the challenge. Barca are down the other end moments later, but Suarez is caught offside. Little over 15 minutes of the half remaining here.
CLOSE! Another opportunity for Villarreal as Mario strikes one from the edge of the box, but Ter Stegen just manages to deflect the Spaniard's effort over the crossbar. Moments before, Montoya had denied Vietto with a stunning challenge. The home side are certainly on top at the moment.
Cheryshev twists and turns outside the Barcelona box, but his final effort is into the side netting and not the first time this evening. Villarreal are working so hard, but Barca are quite comfortable.
Messi has just taken the ball away from Costa in the right-back position, which sums him up. Not too much to report from Barca in the final third at the moment, but the onus is not on them to attack.
BOOKING! Dos Santos (Villarreal) is booked for dissent.
Just a reminder that later tonight, Espanyol welcome Athletic Bilbao for the second semi-final. That match is delicately poised, with the two sides level at 1-1 from the first leg. Neymar has a half-chance for Barca after collecting a through pass from Messi, but his effort is blocked by Mario.
BOOKING! Cheryshev (Villarreal) is booked for a poor challenge on Suarez.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-1 Barcelona (Jonathan dos Santos)
Villarreal level the scores with 39 minutes on the clock as Jonathan dos Santos finishes a deep Costa cross at the far post. Excellent work from the midfielder against his former club.
Busquets, meanwhile, is being stretched off the field here following a nasty clash with Pina.
Oh it is very, very nasty. Busquets might have broken something there. Horror moment.
Villarreal fancy a second before the break as Barca play on with 10 men. They need a break in play.
SUB! Barca make the change as Mathieu replaces Busquets.
Mascherano will move into midfield, with Mathieu reverting to centre-back. It is getting very lively, with both managers taking exception to a number of challenges. It is heating up at El Madrigal!
Barca are in control of the possession as we approach the final seconds of the first period. Just a reminder that Villarreal still need two more goals to level this tie and force extra-time.
We are into the second minute of added time here.
HALF-TIME: Villarreal 1-1 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close, with the two sides level at 1-1 on the night. Neymar opened the scoring early on for Barca, but Jonathan dos Santos responded late in the half. As it stands, Barca will advance to the Copa del Rey final with an aggregate score of 4-2.
STATS! Barca have dominated the possession with 64%, but they have only had three attempts - just one of which has been on target (the goal). Villarreal, meanwhile, have had nine attempts - three of which have been on target. There have also been two bookings, both for Villarreal.
BENCH WATCH! Villarreal boss Marcelino has plenty of options on his bench this evening, with the likes of Campbell, Giovani dos Santos, Gomez and Moreno all involved. Barcelona, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Pedro, Rakitic and Xavi. The visitors have already been forced into one change, however, with Busquets leaving the field with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Barca still lead this tie 4-2 on aggregate. It is the hosts that get the second 45 mins underway.
No changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-1 for the next 15 or 20 minutes. Game on here.
Bright start to the half from Villarreal as Jonathan dos Santos finds some space down the right, but his cross is straight into the arms of the Barcelona goalkeeper. I have a feeling that this half could bring some serious action. Villarreal have to score at least twice more to stand a chance tonight.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Cheryshev delivers a super cross onto the head of Vietto, but his effort is high of the crossbar. Villarreal have had some serious chances tonight!
Possession football from Villarreal in the early moments of the second period, with Barcelona just sitting back and absorbing the danger, which is quite a surprise. It goes without saying really, but the next goal is just massive. Suarez tries his luck from distance, but his effort is wide of the post.
BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Vietto.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Jonathan dos Santos, but Ter Stegen collects with ease.
The home side continue to force the issue, with Vietto and Cheryshev both combining in the final third, but Barcelona remain disciplined and repel the danger. Mario is down the right moments later and the full-back finds Musacchio, but his effort is straight into the arms of Ter Stegen.
CHANCE! First real chance for Barca in the second period as Messi drives past two defenders before curling one towards the bottom corner, but Asenjo is down to make an excellent save.
The match continues to flow from end-to-end, with Villarreal threatening in wide areas. Vietto again delivers towards Mario, but Alba makes the clearance. Just a reminder that the home side need two goals to take this into extra-time. As it stands, Barcelona will be in the Copa del Rey final.
Villarreal continue to pile on the pressure as they force another corner, but a towering header from Pique clears the danger. Cheryshev is down the left moments later, but his low cross cannot find a teammate. Some of Barca's defending has been very, very questionable during stages tonight.
Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and the score is still 1-1 on the night. Barcelona are not really threatening in the final third, but they have a two-goal cushion in the tie. It would not be a surprise to see both managers make changes at this stage. It is still so delicately poised tonight.
SUB! Villarreal make their first change as Giovani replaces Uche.
SUB! Barca make their second change as Xavi replaces Rafinha.
Little over 25 minutes of football remaining and Villarreal still need two more goals without reply. It is a big ask. That said, Barcelona have been far from their best tonight, especially in attack.
RED CARD! PINA!
Villarreal are down to 10 men as Pina lunges into a poor challenge with Neymar. Terrible.
Well, the home side's chances have just been really harmed. It was a poor challenge from Pina and the red card was deserved that is for certain. Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment.
Possession football from the away side as we approach the final 20 minutes. In truth, this tie looks done and dusted. It is far from impossible, but their chances are extremely slim. Suarez has a half-chance for Barca after meeting a through pass from Iniesta, but his effort is wide of the post.
SUB! Villarreal make their second change as Campbell replaces Cheryshev.
The referee is still letting the game flow despite a number of late challenges, which is creating a lively atmosphere inside the stadium. Mario is again involved for Villarreal, but his cross is blocked.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Neymar leads a three-on-one counter, but instead of squaring to Suarez, Neymar goes for goal and Asenjo makes a fine save.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona (Suarez)
Barcelona score their second of the evening as Suarez runs onto a fine pass from Montoya before rounding Asenjo and finishing in the bottom corner. Tie over, that is for absolute certain.
SUB! Villarreal make their third change as Gomez replaces Trigueros.
SUB! Barca make their third change as Rakitic replaces Mascherano.
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and Villarreal need four goals - not quite impossible, but about as close to it as you can get. Barcelona have done a bit of a job on the hosts tonight.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, which is not too much of a surprise. Barcelona are in control of the possession, with their spot in thesis season's Copa final secured.
Barcelona are heading for their 38th Copa del Rey final. Who will they meet? Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao meet later tonight in a tie that is currently level at 1-1 from the first leg. In truth, not too much is happening at El Madrigal at the moment, with Barcelona comfortable in possession of the ball.
BOOKING! Campbell (Villarreal) is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta.
This is getting very lively on the touchline at the moment, with Villarreal diving into a number of late challenges. However, the referee is quickly on hand to calm matters. No need at this stage.
Vietto tries his luck for the home side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Little over five minutes of this Copa del Rey semi-final to play.
Busquets has been spotted on the bench, which is excellent news. It appeared that the Spaniard had broken his ankle in the first period, but that is surely not the case. Brilliant for Barcelona.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-3 Barcelona (Neymar)
Barcelona have their third of the night as Xavi delivers an excellent cross into Neymar, who heads past Asenjo from close range. Goal number 26 of the season for Neymar, who is back among the goals.
FULL-TIME: Villarreal 1-3 Barcelona (Barca win 6-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close, with Barca booking their spot in the final of the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 win over Villarreal on the night and 6-2 victory on aggregate. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
