Barcelona notched their 1st away win in La Liga this season in Xavi Hernandez’s 1st game accountable as late goals from Memphis Depay and Philippe Coutinho secured a 3-1 conclusion over Villarreal on weekday.
Barca had gone 5 away matches within the league while not a win however Xavi had the magic bit, with the 41-year-old overseeing his second conclusion out of 2 in La Liga, either facet of a time period hitless draw reception to Benfica within the Champions League.
The score at La Ceramica flattered Barca, United Nations agency might simply have lost a frantic game during which Villarreal rejected variety of wonderful possibilities, solely to commit a dreadful mistake at the rear that allowed Depay to get within the 88th minute.
Coutinho additional a 3rd from the penalty spot in injury-time when prophet Chukwueze had earlier off out Frenkie Diamond State Jong’s opener early within the half.
“It was the sport we have a tendency to dominated the smallest amount, but we won,” said Xavi.
“On Tues we have a tendency to merited to win and that we histrion, these days it might are a draw, and that we got the win. It’s an amazing conclusion for U.S..”
Barcelona cut the gap to Atletico Madrid in fourth to a few points, before Atletico play at port on Sunday. they’re still seven points behind leaders Real Madrid, United Nations agency ar reception on Sunday to third-placed city.
One blot on the evening was an injury to Jordi Alba, United Nations agency had to get replaced within the half, together with his fitness currently a priority but fortnight before Barca’s important final Champions League cluster game at Bayern urban center.
In a frantic gap 9 minutes, city hit the post double whereas Villarreal were precocious a golden chance as Abde Ezzalzouli’s header was tipped onto the crossbar by Geronimo Rulli before Gavi’s drive brushed the skin of the post.
In between, Eric Garcia’s backpass was intercepted by Arnaut Danjuma however his shot was blocked by the slippy Gerard Pique, United Nations agency was lucky to not concede a penalty when creating the stop together with his manus.
The chances unbroken coming back for each groups as Diamond Statepay scuffed wide when being fell through by De Jong before Yeremy Pino and Pau Torres each headed over once left free within the box, Torres from 5 yards out.
Villarreal were rampant down Barcelona’s right-hand facet and finished the primary [*fr1] the stronger.
But Barca survived and took the lead 3 minutes when the restart, Alba volleying Abde’s cross back sure Diamond State Jong to faucet home when Depay’s initial end was saved.
