Barcelona welcomed in-form Villarreal to Camp Nou on Sunday knowing that three points would temporarily move them to the top of the La Liga table.
The hosts had the better of an open first period, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes.
Neymar opened the scoring on the hour, however, converting from close range after a super Sergio Busquets pass, before Luis Suarez netted from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.
Barcelona were not finished, however, with Neymar adding his second of the game late on.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Camp Nou as Barcelona welcome Villarreal. Victory for the home side would temporarily move them above Real Madrid, who face Sevilla later this evening. However, it will be a difficult game for the Catalan team against a Villarreal side that have also made a strong start to the 2015-16 campaign. Let's hope for an entertaining game of football!
There have been some cracking games between these two teams in recent seasons, none more so than Barcelona's 3-2 win in the corresponding fixture last term. The Catalan outfit have won each of the last five meetings between the two sides, however, including victory in the Copa del Rey last season. What's more, Villarreal have conceded at least one goal in 14 of their last 15 visits to this stadium in La Liga.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
BARCA: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Roberto; Neymar, Suarez, Munir
VILLARREAL: Areola; Mario, Bonera, Ruiz, Costa; Dos Santos, Pina, Bruno, Castillejo; Suarez; Soldado
So there we have it. Munir El-Haddadi returns to the Barcelona XI this afternoon, with Andres Iniesta dropping into a deeper position in place of Ivan Rakitic, who is injured. Jeremy Mathieu is picked to start alongside Gerard Pique at the back, while it is once again Luis Suarez and Neymar in attack.
As for Villarreal, Sergio Asenjo and Leo Baptistao return on the sidelines, while Eric Bailly misses out through suspension. Roberto Soldado is picked to lead the line, while there are Camp Nou returns for both Jonathan dos Santos and Denis Suarez. Samu Castillejo is also preferred to Samu.
And there it is. The teams are in and we are now just over 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Barcelona. As mentioned, victory for Luis Enrique's side would move them to the summit ahead of Real Madrid, who face a tough trip to Sevilla later this evening. Villarreal, however, know that a win for them would take them into the top four ahead of Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona have claimed 24 points from their 10 league games this season – winning eight times and losing twice. They have found the back of the net on 22 occasions, but have conceded 12 times, which is a high number for the champions at this stage of the campaign. Lionel Messi's absence threatened to send their season off-track, but that has simply not been the case.
Suarez and Neymar were both excellent alongside Messi last season, but they have perhaps been even better in his absence in the last month or so. Suarez has eight goals in nine league games this season, while he has also struck three times in the Champions League. Neymar, meanwhile, who has been just sensational in recent weeks, has nine in nine in the league and also two in the Champions League. Those two will once again be expected to cause damage to Villarreal this afternoon.
© AFP
Since losing 2-1 at Sevilla before the international break, Barcelona have won each of their last three league matches and will enter this fixture off the back of a 2-0 victory over Getafe last time out. The Catalan outfit are also looking very good in their Champions League group, with a 3-0 win over BATE Bosirov on Wednesday leaving them on the brink of qualification into the knockout stages.
This is, of course, Barcelona's final La Liga match before the international break and the one straight after is, well, quite a big game. Enrique's side will make the trip to Real Madrid on November 21 and that fixture simply needs no introduction. Games at this stage of the season are not decisive, but they are always important. Both should enter that match level on 27 points if today goes to plan.
As for Villarreal, they are once again on course for an impressive season under Marcelino. It was a summer of change with plenty of outgoings and incomings, but the philosophy remains the same. They are, without doubt, one of the best footballing teams in the division and are always great value for money. In addition to that entertainment, they have a squad full of excellent players.
As mentioned, a total of 20 points from 10 games has left them fifth in the table and with Sevilla and Valencia having some problems, it does appear that the Yellow Submarine could challenge the likes of Celta Vigo for a spot in the top four. They will enter this match off the back of a 2-1 win over Sevilla in their La Liga fixture last weekend and would move into third with all three points this afternoon.
Soldado has only scored two league goals since returning to Spain, but Cedric Bakambu has chipped in with four while the goals have been shared around the midfield. On their day, they are capable of beating anyone and gave Barcelona a real scare in the corresponding game last season. Marcelino's side would sent out a real statement of intent if they could claim all the points here.
© Getty Images
Villarreal last finished in the top four in Spain's top flight in 2011, but they were relegated one season later, spending just one campaign in the Segunda before returning to La Liga. Since then, they have finished sixth in each of the last two campaigns. Europa League football has been enjoyed, but a return to the elite of Champions League action is on the agenda for the powers-that-be.
This is obviously a tough game for Villarreal, but their next three league fixtures are against Eibar, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano. Seven or more points from that run would surely keep them in and around the top four before they welcome Real Madrid on December 13. It is an exciting time to be involved with Villarreal and this has the potential to be a very entertaining game. Kickoff is fast approaching here!
Neymar keeping it real with a calm walk from the back...
The team is now on the pitch! #FCBlive #FCBVillarreal pic.twitter.com/INj8oTK0EZ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 8, 2015
PREDICTION! I think this will be a very tough game for Barcelona. Villarreal will not enter this match with any fear, but I do think that the hosts will ultimately claim all the points. It should be an open and entertaining game between two good footballing teams, but for me, Barcelona to win 2-1.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes of action. It is a mild afternoon in Barcelona, perfect conditions for a game of football. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be important in this type of clash. Kickoff is nearing!
KICKOFF! Victory or indeed a point for Barcelona moves them to the top of the table ahead of Real Madrid, while three points for Villarreal would move them into third - plenty on offer at Camp Nou this afternoon. Right, it is the home team that get the first 45 minutes of action underway in Barcelona...
... beautiful surface at Camp Nou, which should allow both of these teams to play their normal passing game. As expected, the hosts have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with Neymar already having a run down the left. Villarreal will need to be careful early on here.
There have been some tasty challenges in the early exchanges here, with Pina making his presence felt for Villarreal. The hosts continue to move the ball in the middle of the park, but have not yet been able to find that opening. Villarreal have a lot of pace in their forward-line here.
Not an awful lot for either set of supporters to get excited about in the opening six minutes, with both teams still attempting to find their rhythm. Jonathan dos Santos is a touch fortunate to escape a yellow card, meanwhile, for a late challenge on Alves, which leaves the Brazilian on the deck!
Half-chance for the home side as Suarez finds a yard of space outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Moments before, Soldado advanced on the Barcelona goal, but the former Spurs striker was in an offside position. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
Neymar plays in Suarez, who turns and strikes one towards the bottom corner, but again the striker's effort was always wide of the post. A couple of half-chances for the forward early on.
The game is just simmering at the moment, with both teams showing their threat in the final third. Barcelona are in control of the possession, but there has not been a shot on target thus far here.
Villarreal threaten on the counter as Bruno delivers a super through ball into Suarez, who cuts inside his full-back, but Mathieu manages to cut out the cross. There is no question that the visitors have the ability to threaten with their pace and invention in the final third of the field.
The offside flag has not been kind to either team in the opening 15 minutes as more attacks come to a premature end via that avenue. Soldado, who looks a different player this season, makes a back-pass uncomfortable for Bravo, but the Barcelona goalkeeper does manage to clear his lines.
Still no real chances for either team with 17 minutes on the clock, but Villarreal are giving as good as they are getting as they continue to threaten on the counter. Very open game at Camp Nou!
Half-chance for Barcelona as Alves meets a loose ball outside the Villarreal box, but his effort was deflected wide of the post. Still no real opportunities in this game, which is a surprise.
Confusion inside the Villarreal box is averted when Areola comes to clear ahead of Mario, who looked in trouble. The visitors break down the other end with Soldado, but the striker is surrounded by three defenders and cannot out-run the Barcelona back-line. Good pressure from the hosts.
Another half-chance for the hosts as Iniesta delivers a super cross towards Mathieu, but the Frenchman's header was always moving over the crossbar. Villarreal are struggling to get out.
Soldado is fighting a one-man battle in that Villarreal attack at the moment!
Super work from Neymar as the Brazilian dances into the Villarreal box before finding Iniesta, but his low effort is blocked by Mario. From the resulting corner, Neymar skips past Mario before flashing a low cross into the near post, but Areola is on hand to claim. Still goalless in Barcelona.
SAVE! First real chance for Barcelona as Suarez leads a blistering counter before feeding Mathieu of all people, but his low strike is saved by Areola. Good goalkeeping once again!
BOOKING! Mathieu (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Soldado.
Half-chance for Villarreal this time as Castillejo picks out the head of Suarez inside the Barcelona box, but his effort was always over the crossbar. The opportunities are starting to arrive here!
Barcelona just need to be a little bit careful at the back as Villarreal continue to threaten on the counter. The hosts remain in control of the possession in the final third, but have struggled to find that elusive pass in the opening 31 minutes. Good game at Camp Nou, but we are still all square.
Well, 33 minutes on the clock and Villarreal boss Marcelino will be pleased with what he has seen from his side thus far. Barcelona, as expected, are in control, but chances have been hard to find.
Not an awful lot to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with Barcelona guilty of conceding possession on too many occasions in the final third. Villarreal remain a threat when they manage to break, but the Yellow Submarine are wary about committing too many players forward.
CLOSE! Villarreal come close to taking the lead as Soldado finds a yard of space outside the box before drilling one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide. Super strike from the forward!
BOOKING! Iniesta (Barcelona) is booked for dissent.
It is all a little bit untidy at the moment as Barcelona complain to the referee about a number of decisions. That is all frustration for the way that Villarreal have defended thus far in Barcelona.
BOOKING! Mario (Villarreal) is booked for taking out Neymar.
Barcelona have just been unable to find that elusive pass thus far this afternoon, but Suarez and Neymar are both finding space and surely it is only a matter of time before one ball comes off. It must be said that there is not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment here.
It has been a very tactical first 43 minutes here, which is perhaps another way of saying that there have not been many opportunities. Neither side really deserves to be ahead at this stage.
Plenty of off-the-ball incidents for the referee to keep his eye on at the moment!
CHANCE! Super chance for Villarreal to take the lead in the final moments of this first period, but Castillejo's low strike is saved by Bravo! Very good goalkeeping from the Chilean there!
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 0-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Barcelona have had control of the possession for long spells, but Villarreal have arguably had the better opportunities. Neither side has really done enough to be ahead at this stage of events here.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 65%, while they have had nine attempts, three of which were on target. Villarreal, meanwhile, have hit the target with one of their three attempts. It has also been an untidy game to referee, with three yellows issued for some unsavoury incidents.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona do not exactly have a whole host of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, but the likes of Sandro Ramirez and Adriano are available for Luis Enrique. Villarreal, however, have the likes of Bakambu, Samuel and Leiva on an attack-minded bench in Barcelona.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Barcelona make the breakthrough here? It is the visitors that get the second half underway...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage. However, I suspect that both managers will already have some alterations in mind. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. This stadium seems nervous!
BOOKINGS! Suarez, Neymar (both Barcelona) are booked for dissent.
Barcelona feel that the referee is giving them a hard time in this game as he continues to dish out yellow cards. It has been a very untidy start to this second period, that is for certain.
SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Areola as the Villarreal stopper keeps out a low effort from Alves, who had met a cross from Neymar. That really should have been the opening goal!
Clos Gomez is not too popular with the Barcelona supporters or indeed players at the moment as he continues to seemingly favour Villarreal. The home team again press forward with Neymar, but Villarreal manage to stand strong and clear the danger. The tempo has started to rise here.
The attendance for this match has been confirmed at little under 74,000 and the majority inside the stadium have had a frustrating afternoon thus far. Villarreal manage to break down the right with Castillejo, but Alba is across to make the challenge. Still goalless with 53 minutes on the clock.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid travel to Sevilla later this evening. As it stands, Barcelona would move to the top of the table, but by just one point. The hosts have another half-chance as Neymar delivers a super free kick towards Busquets, but his header was always moving wide of the post.
It must be said that Villarreal's willingness to pass the ball in defensive areas has been excellent in this game, if not a little risky! Mario, Ruiz and Bruno play a lovely triangle at the back before the danger is cleared down-field. The visitors threaten on the break, but Alves challenges Suarez.
Little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining and Villarreal boss Marcelino will be delighted with what he has seen from his side thus far. You still get the feeling there is a goal in this game, but the visitors are just as likely to get it as they threaten on the counter. Still all square at Camp Nou here.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Villarreal (Neymar)
Breakthrough Barcelona! The home side take the lead on the hour as Busquets slides a super pass into Neymar, who controls before finishing into the bottom corner. Some pass from Busquets!
It was Jonathan dos Santos that gave the ball away for Villarreal. One mistake and the visitors have been punished. Can the Yellow Submarine respond? There is still plenty of time left in this one.
As it stands, Barcelona are going three points clear at the top of the table, which would put the pressure back on Real Madrid. Villarreal, however, will still fancy their chances of creating here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to score a second as Iniesta advances into a one-on-one situation with Areola, but the Villarreal stopper makes a wonderful save!
BOOKING! Pique (Barcelona) is booked for bringing Suarez to the ground.
Free kick for Villarreal in a very dangerous position...
... Bruno strikes, but his effort is straight into the wall.
VILLARREAL SUB! Pina is replaced by Bakambu.
These are the type of games that win titles and if Barcelona can claim a scrappy 1-0 win here, it would be a massive result ahead of Real Madrid's clash later this evening. Still time for Villarreal.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Barcelona are in control of the possession as they pass and probe in the final third. Still more goals in this game for me!
PENALTY BARCELONA!
BOOKING! Costa (Villarreal) is booked for a lunge on Munir inside the box, which brings a penalty. It was a crazy challenge from the left-back, who just cleaned out the striker!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Villarreal (Suarez, pen)
Suarez converts from the spot and the hosts lead 2-0 here.
BOOKING! Bonera (Villarreal) is booked for a late challenge on Neymar.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and Barcelona are threatening a third here as Neymar sets up Iniesta, but Mario just does enough to clear. Villarreal are struggling at the moment here.
Barcelona are in control of matters on their own patch as they continue to pass and probe in the final third. In truth, that second from Suarez killed any hope Villarreal might have had here.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining at Camp Nou and it is all Barcelona, with Neymar and Suarez running the show. These two have once again been excellent for their team in this game.
Areola, who has had a super game this afternoon, gets down to deny Suarez, who looked to curl one into the far corner. It would not be a surprise if a third goal arrived for the hosts here.
BARCELONA SUB! Munir is replaced by Sandro Ramirez.
Roberto has an opportunity to score a third for the home side after finding space outside the box, but his effort was always curling over the crossbar. Still 2-0 with 81 minutes on the clock here.
BARCELONA SUB! Marc Bartra replaces Pique.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-0 Villarreal (Neymar)
Oh my good grief - it is so, so good. Barcelona have their third of the match in the 85th minute as Neymar controls a cross from Suarez over the head of a Villarreal defender, before finishing into the back of the net. It is just sensational from a player that is currently in the form of his life - wow!
I still cannot get over that Neymar goal. So with that in mind, blow up referee please.
Over to you then Real Madrid! Messi might still be on the sidelines, but Suarez and Neymar are currently in sensational form. Villarreal have just been blown away in this second period!
Two additional minutes have been added here.
Suarez almost joins his mate Neymar on two goals after twisting and turning inside the box, but his effort smashes the side netting. Good grief these two have been good in the second period.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 3-0 winners against Villarreal. The result has moved to the Catalan side three points clear at the top of La Liga, while Villarreal remain fifth. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
