Barca took on Villareal yesterday at Villarreal’s ground of El Madrigal. Overall a good performance by Barca which didn’t reflect on the scoreboard. It was a great to see the attacking trident of Ronaldinho, Eto’o and Messi together again, even more so to see Ronaldinho playing again after two weeks of no play due to an illness. The opposition were twelfth in the league, and faced Barca after two consecutive defeats. So now lets talk about the game.

First Half Brought Great Play

Barca knew that they needed to secure three points to be well ahead of their competition on the ladder, who was closing in fast. Therefore the first half gave the Barca faithful something to cheer about, as our boys went about playing a precise and meticulous passing game which broke down the Villareal defence. The Cameroonian striker, Samuel Eto’o had a few chances to put his side up a goal. Nearing the end of the first half, the combination of Xavi and Ronaldinho led to the best chance Barca had all game. One on one with Villareal keeper Viera, Ronaldinho was unsuccessful and with that the first half was over.

Goals Come In, But Not For Barcelona

Villareal came out of the dressing rooms a different side and it showed when Cani’s accurate pass put former Arsenal danger man Pires in the clear and came out victorious against Victor Valdez. Barcelona didn’t deserve conceding that goal, but with that here is a look at the first goal below.

Following this injustice on Barca’s behalf, Rijkaard decided to bring on Gudjohnsen to keep Villareal goalkeeper on his toes for the remainder of the game. He did so however, his ambition was short lived when Villareal went up another goal thanks to a perfectly netted goal into the lower right hand corner of the goal. You can also see that goal below.

Any Other Chances?

Barca had a few chances to level up, the best one coming from a free kick from Ronaldinho which hit the cross bar, which depicted the kind of night Barca was having. Nevertheless, the game finished 2-0, however, most importantly, Barcelona remain 1 point clear of Sevilla until they take on Al Ahly on the 24th of April at Barcelona’s home of Camp Nou. Hopefully we can grab this one and stay clear of the pursuing Sevilla and Real Madrid.