La Liga Result: Barcelona wins 2-1 over Villarreal, Griezmann scores brace

Barcelona kept their pace in the La Liga title race after they beat Villarreal 2-1 at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday.

Griezmann’s quick brace ensured the Blaugrana side took home all three points after Chukwueze sent the hosts into an early lead.

Barcelona dominated possession and were in control as they created the first chance through de Jong.

Asenjo made a fantastic save off the line as he kept out de Jong’s shot.

Messi got himself into the game soon and tested the Villareal keeper with an effort straight at him.

Villarreal took the lead 1-0 against the run of play as Chukwueze scored.

The Nigerian got onto Torres’ exquisite pass and went round the keeper before tapping home.

Griezmann restored parity within a couple of minutes as he got onto Mingueza’s ball and dinked it over the keeper for a sumptuous finish.

The Frenchman grabbed his second for the night due to Foyth’s terrible mistake at the back.

The Argentine sent a poor back pass to Asenjo which Griezmann got onto and finished past the keeper. This sent Barcelona 2-1 ahead.

It was a laughable error from the defender as he let Barcelona off the hook with a poor piece of play.

The visitors went into the half 2-1 ahead.

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In the second half, Villareal started off better and tested ter Stegan as he kept out Capoue’s shot.

Villareal dug their own grave in the 62^nd minute as Trigueros was sent off for a rash tackle on Messi.

The Spanish international slid wildly on Messi and caught him on the shin. Such was the intensity of the foul that he could not complaint.

De Jong should have made it 3-1 but his effort bounced off-target as Barcelona held on.

The match finished 2-1 in favor of Barcelona as they cemented their 3^rd spot in the table.

Messi and Co can get to 2^nd place next week if they beat Granada due to their match in hand.

Villareal tried but once they were down to 10-men, it was pretty much game over.