Liga, Barcelona-Villarreal 1-0: Pedri’s goal decides

From our correspondent Filippo Maria Ricci

February 12th
– Madrid

Barcelona does not stop. In Vila-real against the Yellow Submarine led by former Blaugrana coach Quique Setien, Xavi’s team won 1-0, earning their sixth consecutive victory and moving to +11 over Madrid, who played on Wednesday with Elche bottom of the standings. A goal from Pedri was enough for Barça because the Blaugrana defense has an impressive totem in Araujo and has conceded just 7 goals in the first 21 days. For Villarreal three defeats in a row.

The choices

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Xavi without the injured Dembélé and Busquets, in their place Raphinha, fourth consecutive as starter, and Kessie, in his third Liga appearance from the start. In Villarreal out Gerard Moreno, replaced by Morales.

The advantage

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After a great save by Pepe Reina on Lewandowski, his former teammates at Bayern, Barça went through in the 18th minute with an action that was marvelous for its speed and precision. Ball recovered by Kounde and then five touches before without apparent space: De Jong, Raphinha, Pedri, Lewandowski, Pedri who beat Reina with a precise touch. For the midfielder 6 goals in Liga, 3 in the last 5 days.

Waste Morales

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Reina stopped Lewandowski again, Coquelin hurt his right knee badly in a tackle with Kessie and was replaced by Chukwueze with Villarreal’s move to 4-4-2, and in added time ‘Comandante’ Morales sent off a incredible opportunity, only ahead of Ter Stegen after a mistake by Kounde.

Imperial Araujo

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In a recovery with little pace and several interruptions, the Barcelona defense led by an imperial Araujo, decisive on at least four occasions, withstood the pressure of the Yellow Submarine well, while Raphinha wasted a great invitation from Lewandowski before the final forcing of Villarreal. Now for Barcelona there is a play-off with Manchester United to go to the round of 16 of the Europa League. Authentic exam to measure the real strength of the Catalans, who are booming at home.