A high-intensity drama unfolded in La Liga Santander’s Matchday 30 encounter, where Barcelona proved exactly why they deserve to be the league champions. The Catalans nullified a two-goal deficit in stoppage time to salvage one point from their trip Estadio de la Ceramica.
Ernesto Valverde’s men were leading by two goals to nothing within the sixteen minutes courtesy of Coutinho and Malcom. Post Barcelona’s two goals was a period of complete tactical dominance from the Yellow Submarines. Despite not having the lions’ share in possession, Villareal inflicted severe damage to Barca with their sharpness to the game and precise passing.
Villareal went into half-time trailing by one goal as Samuel Chukwueze scored around the 23-minute mark. Post the break, Villareal scored three goals via Ekambi, Iborra and Bacca. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez spoilt the party later on for the home fans with two stunning goals in the dying moments of the game.
This was just one of those nights for Barcelona where they managed to avoid defeat despite being the second best side. Such are the nights which distinguish between ordinary teams and a team made of fighters who believe in the never give up attitude.
This game was a lucky escape for Ernesto Valverde, who did not give due respect to a historic club like Villareal by fielding a second-fiddle side. Eventually, the gaffer had to pull out his main artillery when he brought on Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic. Here’s how Barcelona fared in their enthralling draw against Villareal.
Marc Andre Ter Stegen – 6/10
Played a sub-standard game by his standards. Was the guilty party for the second goal which gave Villareal a lot more breathing space.
Sergi Roberto – 6/10
Roberto had a poor night and was caught out of position time and again. Also, he seemed to be too slow with the ball at his feet. Did not make the most of this opportunity.
Samuel Umtiti – 6/10
This make-shift Barcelona defence seemed all over the place. Umtiti did not seem to understand his partner for the night, Lenglet too well.
Clement Lenglet – 5/10
Was a poor evening for ex-Sevilla man. Seemed to have injured his left shoulder in the first half, but yet continued to play. It did not turn out too well for him in the end.
Jordi Alba – 6/10
Was toiling up and down the field throughout the game. This eventually cost him as Toko Ekambi made the most out of his positioning high up the field.
Arturo Vidal – 6/10
The Chilean was too slow on the ball. A unique characteristic of the Barcelona side today was their slowness on the ball, and Vidal was one of the main culprits. However, his first half-assist for Malcom’s goal saved some embarrassment for the ex-Bayern man.
Sergio Busquets – 5/10
An unexpected performance from Busquets, the captain for the night. The Spaniard seemed too lazy on the ball and was majorly responsible for letting in the 4th goal for Villareal scored by Bacca.
Arthur Melo – 6/10
The Brazilian had a very quiet evening, and his stay at the pitch mostly went unnoticed.
Malcom Silva – 9/10
A positive take back for Barcelona from this game. He was absolutely electrifying on the night. Set up the first goal of the night, shortly after which he scored from a header. Malcom traumatised the Villareal back 3.
Luis Suarez – 8/10
Scored a stunning late equaliser to save the day for his team and himself. Suarez like his other Barcelona team-mates seemed to be lacking the energy for this fixture until the very end.
Coutinho – 8/10
A deserved and essential goal for Coutinho, which started the goal-fest in the Ceramica Stadium in Villareal. The Brazillian showed the hunger he had in himself for the goal with a perfectly timed run into the box.
Substitutes
Lionel Messi – 8/10
Came around the hour mark and changed the game with a stupendous free-kick in the dying moments of the game. That goal allowed Barcelona the sudden burst of energy to fight for the equaliser.
Carlos Alena – 6/10
Was very much involved in the game. Even showed the energy which seemed to be lacking in Arthur Melo. Picked up a yellow for a late lunge on Vincente Iborra.
Ivan Rakitic – 6/10
Did not have much involvement post coming on. It was an evening meant for the player’s rest, and that did not seem to happen.
