Robert Lewandowski starred with two goals, despite missing a penalty, while Raphinha netted a brace and Pablo Torre added another as Hansi Flick’s team extended their unbeaten run to six league games.
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However, the sight of Ter Stegen, Barcelona’s captain, leaving the field in pain after his right knee buckled while catching the ball late in the first half, raised concerns. The 32-year-old German international was visibly distressed, covering his face as he was carried off. Backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena came on and played a vital role, making a crucial save to deny Nicolas Pepe when the score was 2-1.
Earlier, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal nearly scored for Barca, hitting the woodwork, and Raphinha had a shot cleared off the line before Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 20th minute, converting from Torre’s assist. The Polish striker added a second 15 minutes later, acrobatically finishing after Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Conde parried Eric Garcia’s shot.
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Villarreal, who were unbeaten in their first five league matches, responded quickly as Ayoze Perez finished off a low cross from Pepe to make it 2-1. The home side came close to equalizing when Yeremy Pino’s header hit the crossbar, but Torre restored Barcelona’s two-goal lead.
Lewandowski missed a chance to complete his hat-trick, striking the post from the penalty spot after Yamal was fouled by Eric Bailly. Raphinha then rounded off the scoring with two goals in quick succession late on.
The win keeps Barcelona at the top of La Liga, four points clear of Real Madrid. It also provided the ideal response for Flick’s side following their 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League, where they played with 10 men for 80 minutes after Garcia’s early red card.
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