FC Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to 11 points after edging Villarreal 1-0 on Sunday evening.
LaLiga
Result: Villarreal 0-1 FC Barcelona
Date: 12 February 2023
Venue: Estadio de la Ceramica
Barca made two changes to the side that thrashed Sevilla the last time out, as Franck Kessie and Alejandro Balde were recalled in place of the injured Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who dropped to the bench.
Blaugrana started on a high note as Robert Lewandowski had an early chance after going through on goal from a pass by Pedri but was denied by goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
Lewandowski returned the favour on 18 minutes after Pedri went through on goal and he made no mistake after giving the visitors the lead with a low strike in the box.
Villarreal got into the game towards the half-hour mark, as they looked for a way back into the game and Jose Morales had a big chance on the stroke of half-time after a mistake at the back by Barca led to him going clear on goal but he could only find the side-netting, one-on-one with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The game had chances from transitions coming from the break as Lewandowski had a chance to set up Raphinha lurking on the far side after going through on goal but he miskicked his shot over the head of the Brazilian.
At the other end, around the hour-mark, the Yellow Submarine had a slick attack after Yeremi Pino went through on goal in the box but Ronald Araujo made a crucial tackle to kick the ball away from behind.
The encounter remained on the balance in the latter phase and with ten minutes to go, Barca manager Xavi needed fresh legs in attack as Ferran Torres replaced Raphinha.
Villarreal were more spirited to rescue the game in the dying minutes and Samuel Chukwueze found the back of the net after going clear on goal but the goal was promptly disallowed for offside in the build-up.
The Catalan giants weathered the storm in stoppage time and held on to move 11 points clear ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, although they have played an extra match.
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