SOCCER: Yamal strikes as Barcelona punish 10-man Villarreal

VILLARREAL, Spain — Barcelona secured a composed 2–0 LaLiga victory over Villarreal on Sunday, with goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal sealing the win in a match that swung decisively in the visitors’ favor after the hosts were reduced to 10 men just before halftime.

The result lifted Barcelona to 46 points, ensuring they will head into the new year top of the standings, four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid. Villarreal remained fourth with 35 points.

Barcelona opened the scoring in the 12th minute from the penalty spot after Santi Comesana blocked Raphinha with his back as the winger attempted to break into the box. The Brazilian stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick.

Villarreal’s problems deepened six minutes before the break when Renato Veiga mistimed a sliding challenge on Yamal, catching the teenager directly on the foot. Veiga was shown a straight red card, while Yamal required brief medical treatment before returning to the match.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 63rd minute through Yamal, who reacted quickest to a rebound after a series of chances that Villarreal’s defense failed to clear.

“The red card was indisputable. The hostility toward Lamine is something he has to deal with,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said. “Scoring the second goal was the best response.”

Despite being a man down, Villarreal continued to press and came close through Georges Mikautadze, who broke clear but was denied twice by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Garcia produced sharp saves from both the initial effort and the rebound, while a third attempt drifted wide.

“Joan Garcia saved us with a clean sheet. The team is tired, and defensively we did not have many options,” Flick said. “I am proud of my players.”

“Villarreal have an excellent team. They are very quick in attack, and I am very happy with these three points,” he added. -Tommy Lund in Gdansk, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters