Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona

  • Published
Barcelona's Sandro Ramirez (left) celebrates next to team mate Xavi HernandezImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Sandro is the latest player from the Barca academy to make his mark in the first XI

Teenage substitute Sandro Ramirez scored his first Barcelona goal as the Spanish runners-up snatched a late win at La Liga rivals Villarreal.

The Catalans dominated throughout but could not find a breakthrough until 18-year-old forward Sandro tapped in.

They hit the woodwork before half-time when Lionel Messi's free-kick was pushed onto the post by Sergio Asenjo.

But Villarreal almost took the lead against the run of play when Tomas Pina's angled drive hit the post.

The visitors controlled possession and territory but looked set to be frustrated against a Villarreal side which finished a credible sixth on their return to the Spanish top flight last season.

That was until Sandro, another product of Barca's La Masia academy, gleefully tucked in a loose ball after Messi was denied from a tight angle.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Neymar made his return for Barcelona as a second-half substitute following injury

The Spain youth international's winner means Barca have taken maximum points from their two La Liga matches under new boss Luis Enrique.

Former Barca player Enrique appears to be asking his players to play their trademark possession-based game at a higher tempo than they did under his predecessor Tata Martino.

But for a long time, it did not look as though Villarreal would tire and allow themselves to be prised open by the visitors.

Unsurprisingly, four-time world player of the year Messi was the focal point of Barca's brightest attacking play, creating a host of chances before providing the assist for Sandro.

Barca right-back Dani Alves, who ate a banana thrown on to the pitch in this fixture last season, was jeered by Villarreal fans throughout.

Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.