Barcelona Extend La Liga Lead Over Villarreal as Atletico Climb to Third

Barcelona wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal steered the Catalan powerhouses four points ahead at the pinnacle of La Liga thanks to a 2-0 triumph against 10-man Villarreal on Sunday.

The Brazilian star Raphinha secured and buried an early spot kick prior to Villarreal defender Renato Veiga earning a dismissal just before the interval for a reckless tackle on the teenage sensation Yamal.

The 18 year old Yamal coolly finished Barcas second goal in the middle of the second period helping Hansi Flicks team reclaim their edge over Real Madrid and secure an eighth straight league victory.

Villarreal dropped to fourth place following Atletico Madrids advancement past them via a straightforward 3-0 success against Girona earlier in the day.

The teams spirit and mindset are outstanding we operate as a cohesive group and its rewarding to witness Flick remarked to the media.

Securing victory here against such a formidable side was excellent I admire their style of play now leading by four points feels truly positive especially heading into the festive season Flick added.

Flick had passionately supported Raphinha publicly on Saturday after the player was overlooked for FIFAs The Best annual team selection earlier that week and the winger duly responded on the pitch.

Raphinha delivered a dynamic performance at Villarreams Estadio de la Ceramica the venue chosen after La Ligas October decision to abandon plans for hosting the fixture in Miami.

Despite defensive frailties and challenges in possession Barcelona prevailed through the flair of wingers Raphinha and Yamal coupled with exceptional displays from goalkeeper Joan Garcia in a captivating match.

Raphinha induced a foul from Santi Comesana to earn a penalty which he slotted away with assurance in the 12th minute putting Barcelona in front and later he struck the crossbar with a long range effort.

Jules Kounde inadvertently redirected a cross into his own goal during Villarreal comeback attempt but the effort was ruled out due to offside in the preceding play.

Barcelona custodian Garcia thwarted Tajon Buchanan following an error by Alejandro Balde keeping Villarreal from equalising.

Villarreals task grew tougher when Veiga received a straight red for his clumsy challenge on Yamal right before half time.

The title holders doubled their lead from a melee in the penalty area where Frenkie de Jong laid off for Yamal to drill in the ball after 63 minutes.

Garcia produced remarkable stops against Rafa Marin and Georges Mikautadze aiding Barcelona in claiming three points to close out 2026 alongside a third shutout in their most recent three outings across competitions.

His interventions were key to maintaining the clean sheet hes a vital asset for us Flick conceded.

Kounde departed injured late on though the manager expressed confidence that the centre back would recover well attributing it largely to fatigue.

Barcelona conclude the calendar year in stronger form than challengers Real Madrid who edged Sevilla 2-0 the day before yet still facing their share of internal issues.

Trophies arent being awarded just yet but were progressing nicely leading the table and competing in other tournaments so were content De Jong stated.

Atletico Advance

A stunning long range effort by Koke Conor Gallaghers deflected shot and a late finish from Antoine Griezmann brought Atletico to within six points of Barcelona.

Atletico notched a fourth successive win in all competitions during an undemanding visit to Gironas humble Montilivi ground.

Achieving our ambitions requires more than full effort Simeone urged pushing for greater intensity from his squad in the coming year.

Observing Real Madrid and Barcelona always motivates me we must deliver 110 or even 120 percent he emphasised.

Marcos Llorente made a pleasing comeback to the Atletico lineup post injury and Simeones outfit showed no signs of faltering against the 18th placed hosts.

Koke broke the deadlock with a fierce drive into the upper corner after receiving the ball beyond the box marking his 50th goal for the club.

I rarely attempt shots preferring to set up goals but when the opportunity arose perfectly I went for it and it paid off fortunately Koke reflected.

Girona came close to tying the score only for Atleticos Slovenian keeper Jan Oblak to spectacularly tip away an Axel Witsel attempt.

Ex Chelsea playmaker Gallagher scored the next goal while Griezmann in another typical cameo role sealed the points with a composed finish late in the game his second strike over his prior two outings.