Having become very strong once more, Barça consolidates its leading position a little more. The Blaugrana went for a short but precious victory on the lawn of Villarreal, Sunday, during the 21st day of La Liga (0-1). A quick goal from Pedri (18th) then a great burst of energy and a good defensive solidity in a disputed match allow them to chain a sixth success in the league and to temporarily count 11 points ahead of Real Madrid, occupied this weekend by the Club World Cup.
Without Sergio Busquets or Ousmane Dembélé, injured, but with Jules Koundé starting on the right of the defense, Barça had to come into the game strong under pressure from Villarreal. The Blaugrana quickly made their precision in the passes speak and Pedri superbly launched Robert Lewandowski towards the opposing area for a face to face which the Pole however lost once morest Pepe Reina (3rd).
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Pedri finds the flaw
The Catalans were also aggressive and their high pressing paid off. Koundé recovered the ball in the middle of the opposing camp and Frenkie De Jong was able to serve Lewandowski who combined with Pedri for a conclusion of a cross shot in the heart of the zone of truth (0-1, 18th). If Raphinha sent his free kick close to the target (24th) and Lewandowski once more called on Reina in stride (26th), Barça was then jostled by biting Groguets.
The Barcelonians were able to respond to this aggressiveness thanks to the power of Franck Kessié who chained the faults without being sanctioned. The rough Ivorian ended up leaving Francis Coquelin on the flank following a tough duel (33rd). Released in tears on a stretcher, the Frenchman seemed to be suffering from a serious injury to his right knee. The refereeing of Mr. Hernandez Hernandez and his assistants did not improve with a non-existent offside by José Luis Morales whistled too early in the Barcelona area (45th). The center-forward then missed the frame alone once morest (45th + 2).
Araujo beaming, Lewandowski mute
The Yellow Submarine once more raised the tone of the level of the burst of energy following the break. However, he remained cruelly awkward at the finish (47th) and Marc-André Ter Stegen never had to really work. It must be said that the German goalkeeper was perfectly protected by the imperial Ronaldo Araujo who extinguished the opposing attackers (76th).
At the other end of the field, Reina had to be more active and won once morest Raphinha (61st). The former Rennais showed up but lacked finesse in his shots (63rd) just like Lewandowski (90th +2). The Blaugrana of Xavi did not shine in attack on the lawn of the Ceramica. This season, however, they are betting first on defensive rigor and it works well with already a 7th victory with a score of 1-0. They prance at the top of La Liga and are waiting firmly for Manchester United in the round of 16 first leg of the Europa League.
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