Barcelona triumphed over Villarreal, preserving their flawless record in La Liga, yet the match was marred by a grave injury to goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was stretchered off the field.
Robert Lewandowski netted two goals, although he squandered a penalty, while Raphinha scored twice and Pablo Torre added another, allowing Hansi Flick’s squad to achieve six consecutive league victories.
However, Ter Stegen’s injury, sustained just before halftime, cast a shadow over the win. The 32-year-old German international, and captain of Barcelona, injured his right knee as he landed while attempting to catch the ball. He exited the pitch with his hands covering his face, clearly distressed.
Inaki Pena replaced him and made a pivotal save, denying former Arsenal player Nicolas Pepe’s attempt when the score stood at 2-1. Barcelona coach Flick remarked to DAZN post-match, “I believe it’s a very serious injury. You could see it immediately when he was on the ground.”
Following a disappointing start in the Champions League, Barcelona bounced back impressively. Youngster Lamine Yamal struck the woodwork, and Raphinha had an effort cleared off the line before Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 20th minute, converting Torre’s pass.
Just 15 minutes later, Lewandowski doubled the lead, acrobatically finishing off a rebound after goalkeeper Diego Conde parried Eric Garcia’s shot, which had come from a superb Yamal cross.
Villarreal, who entered the match with a solid record of three wins and two draws, responded quickly. Ayoze Perez, the former Newcastle and Leicester winger, reduced the deficit with a deft finish from Pepe’s low cross just three minutes later.
The home side pressed for an equalizer, with Yeremy Pino hitting the crossbar, but Torre restored Barcelona’s two-goal cushion soon after. Lewandowski, presented with a penalty following a foul on Yamal by Eric Bailly, hit the post instead of scoring again. Raphinha then sealed the victory with two goals in quick succession.
Villarreal vs Barcelona now sits atop La Liga, four points ahead of reigning champions Real Madrid, who have drawn two of their six matches.
This win marked an ideal response for Flick’s side after their 2-1 loss to Monaco in the Champions League, where they played with ten men for 80 minutes due to Garcia’s early dismissal.
Lewandowski commented on the importance of the victory, stating, “It was crucial that we bounced back away from home, scoring five goals and securing three points. Everyone knows their role, from the veterans to the younger players. We understand how to attack and defend. This season, we’re focused on getting the ball into the box more quickly—that’s where I want to engage more.”
