Javi Calleja’s side came away empty-handed despite putting in an excellent performance against FC Barcelona (2-1)
A brave Villarreal side could not manage to equalise at the Camp Nou (2-1). Javi Calleja’s side, who put on a smashing display and made things hard for Barcelona, were not able to pick up any points away in Barcelona. Two goals scored by Griezmann and Arthur were enough to give the locals the win, as they held on the entire second half to keep the lead, after Cazorla pulled one back for the Yellows with a superb strike from the edge of the box just before the break.
The Yellows went out at the Camp Nou ready to take the game to FC Barcelona. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Javi Calleja only made two changes to the starting eleven that set up against Real Valladolid. Javi Ontiveros and Samu Chukwueze took to the wings in place of Bacca and Moi Gómez.
The match did not start off on the best foot for the Yellows. Just 5 minutes into the game, Griezmann headed the ball into the roof of Asenjo´s net at the front post from a Leo Messi cross.
FC Barcelona were playing their best football in the opening minutes. Ten minutes later, Arthur tried his luck from long range and his powerful strike struck the top corner, unreachable for Sergio Asenjo and a blow for the Yellows.
With the score line 2-0 and the imposing Camp Nou buzzing, Calleja’s men did not back down and reacted valiantly, managing to halt Barcelona’s strong start. From the 20th minute onwards Villarreal started to take control of the game and the possession.
When the first half seemed to be over, Santi Cazorla received the ball on the edge of the box and had the final say. The Yellows captain let rip a fine strike from distance that surprised and beat Ter Stegen, making it 2-1 just before the break.
The Submarine came out fighting in the second half, brave and direct in their play, which saw Calleja put on Toko Ekambi for Ontiveros just after the restart.
In the 68th minute, Moi Gómez had a go but could not beat Ter Stegen with a shot from the edge of the box. With less than ten minutes to go, Calleja put Bacca on. His intentions were clear: Villarreal were going for the draw.
In the final minutes, Villarreal pushed forward and tried to dispossess FC Barcelona in their half. The Yellows had no luck in the attacking third though and the match came to an end at 2-1 with no reward for a daring Villarreal side that deserved to come away with more from their visit to the Camp Nou.
Lineups:
FC Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Júnior; Sergi Roberto (De Jong, m. 62), Busquets, Arthur; Messi (Dembelé, m. 45), Griezmann and Suárez (Ansu Fati, m. 77).
Villarreal CF: S. Asenjo; R. Peña, R. Albiol, Pau, Quintillà; Anguissa, Iborra, S. Cazorla (Bacca, m. 77), Chukwueze, J. Ontiveros (Toko Ekambi, m. 56); and Gerard (Moi Gómez, m. 67).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 5: Griezmann. 2-0. Min. 15: Arthur. 2-1. Min 43: S. Cazorla.
Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea. Booked: Sergi Roberto, Griezmann, Júnior and Busquets for Barcelona; Anguissa and Albiol for Villarreal.
Information: Match between Barcelona and Villarreal CF corresponding to LaLiga 2019/20 Matchday 6 played at the Camp Nou in front of 70,316 spectators.
