Barcelona came from behind to clear another important three points in the title race on Sunday and earned a narrow 2-1 victory over a stubborn Villarreal.
La Blaugrana came close to putting the visiting team one up 26 minutes into the match, following a solo raid down the middle, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen managed to tip the ball to a corner. Villarreal’s lead, however, lasted less than two minutes, as Antoine Griezmann equalized the score with a completely bold chip on the left foot.
Strong first half from Barca when they lead 2-1, and a spectacular from Antoine Griezmann! ?
How about a bold finish? pic.twitter.com/V09Q5iEpnU
– Premier Sports? (@PremierSportsTV) April 25, 2021
The Frenchman was on it again seven minutes later and punished Juan Foyth’s shocking back pass and finished ruthlessly. Villarreal’s task became more difficult in the 64th minute when Manu Trigueros flew in with a challenge on Lionel Messi and got his marching orders.
Ilaix Moriba then forced an excellent save from the Villarreal striker in the 70th minute, and although Barça could not build on his lead, Ronald Koeman’s men looked out of the game and claimed a huge three points in the title race.
Let’s take a look at the players’ ratings.
Player keep-away | Aitor Alcalde / Getty Images
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) – 7/10 – Rushed out to meet Chukwueze for the opener, but could only see the forward dance around him and run home. Sewn by his defense, though. Produced a great save to keep Barça ahead in the second half. Crucial.
Oscar Mingueza (CB) – 8/10 – Out of position of Pau Torres’ defensive pass, but did well with the beautifully weighted clip in Griezmann for the equalizer. Produced some nice listens when it played a role as well.
Gerard Pique (CB) – 6/10 – Too high up on the pitch when Torres played in Chukwueze for the opener. Do not have the legs to come back and cover that ground anymore.
Clement Lenglet (CB) – 7/10 – Left exposed by poor positioning elsewhere to try and stop Chukwueze, but he did not help by his own slip. Played well with the ball at his feet.
Close selection | JOSE JORDAN / Getty Images
Sergino Dest (RWB) – 7/10 – Looked seriously impressive during the first half and caused all sorts of problems with his direct run and fantastic ability to slip past a marker. Replaced at half time, indicating a possible concern for damage.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) – 7/10 – Absolutely everywhere. Poped up all over the pitch, sipped in to catch or rob his opponents and make Barça move in the right direction. Chipped at the end when he should have killed the game. Performance that deserves a goal.
Sergio Busquets (CM) – 7/10 – Expertly protected the back line and returned to regain possession just in time – no coincidence either. Took hold of the game when Villarreal went down to 10 men. Nobody gets it back.
Pedri (CM) – 6/10 – Lots of style, but much less screen content. Some nice details, but passers-by released him and were not as sharp as in previous matches. Dropped off after an hour and looked at rest.
Jordi Alba (LWB) – 7/10 – Sometimes showed blowing speed to win his footsteps and track back to cover the space behind him. Always looking to run out to the left and pick out her husband.
Dream Team | Aitor Alcalde / Getty Images
Lionel Messi (ST) – 7/10 – Danced around, popped up on the ball and hovered towards the risk zone. For once the shadow of his strike partner. Lucky to get away from the horror challenge.
Antoine Griezmann (ST) – 8/10 – Good lord, what an outrageous finish for the opener. Dripping in class and confidence. Propa ugly. The second strike was not so good-looking, but just as effective. Match winner.
? @ SergiRoberto10 makes his 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣th official look!
Congratulations, Sergi! ? ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X03DsogX93
– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 25, 2021
Sergi Roberto (RWB) – 7/10
Ilaix Moriba (CM) – 6/10
Ousmane Dembele (ST) – 6/10
Ronald Araujo (CB) – N / A
