2024-09-23 03:15:06
The two games between FC Barcelona and Villarreal last season produced a grand total of 15 goals. That was some act to follow, but Sunday produced another gripping game of football between two of the most in-form sides in La Liga.
This one had something of everything, and this time the goals tipped very much the blaugrana way. The magnificent start to the campaign continues. Six games in and Barça have done nothing but win, including a massive 16 goals in their last three contests.
But there was also a huge downside to the day, a very nasty looking knee injury sustained by Marc André ter Stegen shortly before half-time. As soon as we have full details on the German keeper’s situation, we’ll let you know.
That raises the injury list to am agonising eight first team players, and with a suspension to worry about as well, Hansi Flick fielded a somewhat unorthodox opening XI. No fewer than three players, defenders Gerard Martín and Sergi Domínguez plus Pablo Torre in midfield, were all starting league games for the very first time.
Not that any of that was going to stop the team from posting yet another top rate performance.
Lewy at the double
Indeed, it was Torre who brilliantly teed up Robert Lewandowski for the opening goal after 20 frenetic opening minutes. Yeremy Pino had a goal disallowed for offside, Lamine Yamal curled a beauty onto the post and the two goalkeepers were the busiest players on the pitch. It was end-to-end stuff at the Estadio de la Cerámica but it was Barça who were a goal to the good.
The chances were flowing thick and fast at both ends, but Barça were creating much more danger with their own and once again had their Polish striker to thank when they beat Diego Conde for the second time.
The Villarreal keeper palmed away Eric García’s header, but Lewandowski was ready to stick the rebound home with a semi-bicycle kick from close range.
Agony for Ter Stegen
Barça led by two, but the game was so electric that one still feared that that might not be enough.
Indeed, Ayoze Pérez quickly pulled one back for the home side, and they would have been level had it not been a fabulous intervention by Ter Stegen when Nicolas Pépé was clean through on goal.
Sadly, that was last contribution that the German keeper would make to this game. Moments later he would be departing on a stretcher and Iñaki Peña would be taking his place.
Torre extends lead
The second half turned out to be just as hectic as the first. Villarreal had a second goal disallowed for offside and hit the crossbar as they pressed hard for an equaliser. But much as their lead was under threat, the Catalans instead extended it!
Pablo Torre fired in from the edge of the area. What a moment to claim his first senior goal for the club!
Moments later Lamine Yamal was brought down in the area. But a golden opportunity for Lewandowski to complete his hat-trick was directed straight onto the post.
Raphinha finishes it off
If this game couldn’t get any more dramatic than it already was, Villarreal then had yet another goal scratched for offside before Barça did indeed make it four… and then five. And both times from the boots of the same man.
Raphinha, now wearing the captain’s arm-band in Ter Stegen’s absence, is having a sensational season. And that was two more goals in his account. Barça have not played a competitive fixture this term in which the Brazilian hasn’t either scored or given an assist. Phenomenal.
All in all, a wonderful footballing spectacle from both sides, and in a match where absolutely anything could have happened, it was immensely refreshing to see how Barça managed to stamp their authority to win in such convincing style.
Don’t forget, there’s more football to come on Wednesday as Barça take on Getafe at the Estadi Olimpic at 9pm CEST. It’s been a brilliant season so far… More of the same please!
