Villareal vs Barcelona :Pedri on fire, Barcelona’s Starboy inspires a narrow win over Villareal

Pedri shone to lead Barcelona to an ugly win and a double-digit lead in La Liga, with Manchester United on the horizon in the Europa League.

Who cares if it wasn’t pretty? Pedri scored the only goal and was outstanding throughout. Barcelona’s defensive efforts were enough to secure an ugly 1-0 victory over Villarreal, extending their lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to 11 points.

Villareal vs Barcelona : Match review

Barcelona avoided any early nerves when Pedri scored in the 18th minute. The 20-year-old latched onto Robert Lewandowski’s flick before wrong-footing Pepe Reina from close range to cap off the visitors’ beautiful flowing move. On the brink of halftime, Villarreal had a chance to equalise, but Jose Luis Morales fired into the side-netting after breaking through on goal.

😎🎯 @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/zGR4RT5geY

— Pedri González (@Pedri) February 12, 2023

After halftime, the Blaugrana pushed for a second goal, with Pedri and Raphinha exchanging good chances. However, they were unable to double their lead, instead relying on a series of Ronald Araujo clearances to maintain a shaky 1-0 lead.

At full-time, Xavi’s team celebrated with the zeal of a team that knows it’s on the verge of something special. And, with Madrid now trailing, albeit with a game in hand, those joyful scenes appear to be justified.

🎙️ Xavi says there's still a long way to go: pic.twitter.com/Dtv4ZSn3hl

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 13, 2023

However, a new challenge awaits. Manchester United are looming in the Europa League knockout play-offs, and for all of Barcelona’s success, a better performance to establish a first-leg lead over a fit and firing side, especially with defensive midfield stalwart Casemiro back in the fold, may be required…