Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez found the net as Barcelona restored their five-point lead at the top of La Liga with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man Villarreal.
The Catalans struggled to find top gear for much of the match, with the hosts proving difficult opponents until the sending off of Daniel Raba for a dangerous challenge on Sergio Busquets. From that moment on, Barca took a grip of things.
Suarez opened the scoring after 72 minutes, with substitute Paco Alcacer releasing the Uruguayan striker through on goal with an excellent one-two. Suarez, who has struggled for form this season, made no mistake in finishing past Sergio Asenjo.
Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish league football match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on December 10, 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
And Messi doubled his side’s advantage with just seven minutes left, making the most of some slack defensive play from the hosts to sweep home a finish, giving Barcelona an unassailable 2-0 lead, cementing their place at the top of the Liga table.
TALKING POINT
What happens if Lionel Messi gets injured? It was about mid-way through the second half when it became apparent just how much Barcelona rely on Messi to make the difference for them. Every pass was played into the Argentine, with every attacking move flowing through him. Fortunately for the Catalans, Messi has been in exceptional form so far this season, carrying them to the top of La Liga. But what happens if he picks up an injury? Could they cope without him?
Villarreal's midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez (L) vies with Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during the Spanish league football match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on December 10, 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
MAN OF THE MATCH
Jordi Alba (Barcelona) Barcelona struggled for a cutting edge in the final third for much of the match, but Jordi Alba offered them an outlet down the left side for all 90 minutes. His understanding with Messi helped cut open Villarreal a number of times, giving Barcelona another dimension down the left wing. Alba has come in for criticism in recent seasons, but this year he is back to his best.
Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) celebrates next to Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba after scoring during the Spanish league football match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on December 10, 2017
Image credit: Getty Images
PLAYER RATINGS
Villarreal - Asenjo 7, Mario 5, Alvaro 6, Ruiz 5, Costa 7, Rodrigo 6, Semedo 5, Soriano 7, Trigueros 6, Raba 4, Bakambu 6. Subs - Rukavina 5, Castillejo 5.
Barcelona - Ter Stegen 8, Alba 8, Vermaelen 6, Pique 5, Roberto 6, Busquets 6, Denis 5, Rakitic 5, Paulinho 5, Suarez 6, Messi 7. Subs - Vidal 5, Alcacer 7, Gomes 5.
KEY MOMENTS
60’ INCHES WIDE! That's the closest Barcelona have come to a goal this evening. Alba plays a low pass into Messi, who sends an angled side-footed shot towards the far corner. Just wide.
62’ SENT OFF! Raba has been shown a straight red card for a challenge on Busquets. That was a late tackle from the Villarreal youngster. Busquets is still down on the ground.
67’ BARCELONA DOUBLE CHANCE! Somehow Alba's cross isn't forced home from close range, with Suarez hitting the post. Then Rakitic has his effort blocked on the edge of the box
72’ GOAL! Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona: Alcacer plays a lovely one-two with Suarez, releasing the striker through on goal who rounds Asenjo in the Villarreal goal and finishes into the empty net. That's a hugely significant goal!
83’ GOAL! Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona: Well, that's a strange goal. Busquets wins the ball 30 yards out., feeds Messi, with Villarreal centre backs colliding behind him, and the Argentine makes no mistake in finishing. That's the game.
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at La Ceramica stadium in Vila-real on December 10, 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
KEY STATS
Barcelona are now unbeaten in 22 La Liga games (won 19, drawn three).
Lionel Messi equalled Gerd Muller's goalsdcorhng record for a single club in the five top European leagues (525 goals for Barcelona).
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