Hansi Flick’s Barcelona put on another strong performance, thrashing Villarreal 1-5. Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both bagged a brace, with Pablo Torre adding to the tally.

Still unbeaten in La Liga, Barça was determined to bounce back after their slip-up against Monaco. From the get-go, they dominated possession, though Villarreal tried to take advantage of Barça’s high defensive line, pushing forward on the counter but continually getting caught offside.

Just ten minutes in, Yeremy Pino received a ball behind the defense, controlled it beautifully, and chipped it over the keeper, but the goal was ruled offside. After that, Barça began asserting their style, with Pedri, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal running the show. In the 19th minute, after a scramble in the box, Pedri found Pablo Torre, who slid a perfect pass to Lewandowski, who hammered it past Diego Conde to make it 0-1.

Villarreal kept pushing, but Barcelona’s quality shone through again. Lewandowski doubled the lead with a spectacular scissor-kick after Conde parried a Raphinha shot from a corner, making it 0-2. Villarreal finally got their reward through a counterattack. Álex Baena found Pépé with a ball behind the defense, and in a two-on-one against Ter Stegen, Pépé passed to Ayoze, who scored to make it 1-2.

Pépé nearly equalized before halftime with a powerful shot in a one-on-one, but Ter Stegen made a fantastic save. Unfortunately, Ter Stegen landed awkwardly moments later, injuring his right knee and being stretchered off in pain. Barcelona looked shaken at the start of the second half, and Villarreal nearly took advantage, but once again, an offside call ruled out Pépé’s goal.

As Villarreal pushed for the equalizer, a defensive lapse allowed Pablo Torre to fire in Barça’s third goal from the edge of the box, sealing the win. Villarreal was exhausted after that, and though Lamine Yamal won a penalty, Lewandowski missed the chance to score a fourth. Villarreal’s last efforts were futile as another goal was ruled out for offside. With Villarreal drained, Raphinha took advantage, scoring twice in five minutes to complete the 1-5 rout, thanks to a beautiful assist from Yamal.