FC Barcelona closed the year 2025 with authority after defeating Villarreal 0-2 at La Cerámica, consolidating themselves as winter champions of LaLiga 2025-26. The Blaugrana secured their eighth consecutive victory in the domestic championship thanks to goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and saves from Joan García, who put on a true exhibition between the posts.
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Barça's starting eleven and the 4 changes: Joan García; Koundé (Casadó, min. 79), Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Balde; Eric García (Bernal, min. 65), Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermín (Rashford, min. 62), Raphinha; Ferran Torres (Lewandowski, min. 62).
Below, we offer you the 1X1 of the Barça players, a complete analysis of the individual performance of the Blaugrana in one of the most complicated away games of the championship.
Joan García, Barça's Savior: A Providential Performance
The Catalan goalkeeper put on a masterful performance that earned him the praise of all the Barcelona fans. In the 76th minute, when the match was still on a knife-edge at 0-1, Joan García made a spectacular double save that kept the Blaugrana dream alive. First, he deflected Mikautadze's one-on-one with his foot, and immediately after, he blocked Moleiro's shot on the rebound with his body. It was a decisive intervention that secured a clean sheet and confirmed their winter leadership
The FC Barcelona goalkeeper also stood out in the first half with saves against Ayoze Pérez and Buchanan, demonstrating exemplary concentration during Villarreal's moments of greatest pressure. His performance recalled his brilliant 2024-25 campaign with Espanyol, where he established himself as the goalkeeper with the most saves in LaLiga (146) and the one who prevented the most goals according to advanced statistics. With this display at La Cerámica, the former Espanyol player solidifies his status as an undisputed starter and arrives in top form for the Catalan derby against his former team on January 3rd.
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal: The Dazzling Attacking Duo
Raphinha once again demonstrated why he is one of Barça's most decisive players this season. The Brazilian opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, after he himself drew a foul from Comesaña with a brilliant run down the right flank.
But his influence went far beyond the goal: Raphinha almost signed a brace by crashing a powerful shot against the crossbar (15th minute) and was omnipresent across the entire attacking front, combining speed, flair, and defensive commitment. With 7 LaLiga goals this season, the former Leeds player has become the spiritual leader of the Blaugrana attack
Lamine Yamal sealed the victory in the 63rd minute with a toe-poke shot after a series of rebounds in the Villarreal area. The young star from Mataró caught the ball with the class of a veteran and placed it next to the post with surgical precision, unleashing a furious celebration after enduring constant whistles from La Cerámica.
The Barça number 10, who had suffered the hard tackle from Renato Veiga that led to the expulsion, demonstrated his mental strength by continuing to be decisive despite physical discomfort. With this goal, Lamine now has 7 goals and 8 assists this season in La Liga, establishing himself as one of the most impactful wingers in Europe
Ferran Torres leads, Lewandowski and Rashford come in to close out the match
Ferran Torres started up front and had a solid performance for the first 62 minutes. The Valencian worked tirelessly in pressing, constantly bothered the Villarreal defense, and actively participated in the offensive buildup. Although he didn't score on this occasion, his mobility and sacrifice were fundamental in creating space for the wingers. With 11 goals in LaLiga, Ferran remains the top scorer for the Blaugrana this season.
Robert Lewandowski came on in the 62nd minute to replace Ferran Torres, bringing experience and strength for the final stretch. The Pole fulfilled his role of closing out the match, moving intelligently to create space and protecting the ball at key moments. Although he didn't have major chances, his presence forced Villarreal to keep two center-backs alert, facilitating Barça's transitions. Marcus Rashford also came on in the same minute, replacing Fermín López, and his speed was an important asset for exploiting spaces on the counter-attack
Hardworking midfield and defense with ups and downs
In the midfield, Eric García started as a defensive midfielder and played a very solid 65 minutes. The Catalan showed his usual judgment in ball distribution and performed well defensively, although he lacked intensity in some transitions. He was replaced by Marc Bernal, who brought freshness and energy in the decisive part of the match, showing personality despite his youth.
Frenkie de Jong had an inconsistent performance, running all over the pitch but without finding the composure and control that characterizes his best version. The Dutchman recovered important balls but his passes did not always have tactical sense, although his physical effort was commendable.
Fermín López tried insistently for 62 minutes but lacked the necessary accuracy to make a difference. The Andalusian showed mobility and attacking intent but was imprecise in his passing and unable to generate real danger, being one of the least effective players in the starting lineup at the Cerámica.
In defense, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín formed a solid central pairing that competently resolved individual duels. The two youngsters showed coordination and judgment, although they made some errors in ball distribution.
Jules Koundé had a difficult afternoon with inaccuracies before leaving the field due to injury in the 79th minute, making way for Marc Casadó, who provided solidity in the final minutes. Alejandro Balde showed defensive doubts that almost cost dearly, although his speed was valuable in offensive transitions.
Upcoming FC Barcelona Matches: Espanyol and Spanish Super Cup
Barcelona finishes 2025 with 46 points in 18 matchdays, four ahead of Real Madrid, and with morale sky-high after stringing together eight consecutive league wins.
Hansi Flick's team will return to action after the Christmas break with the derby against Espanyol (January 3rd) before traveling to Saudi Arabia to play in the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Club in the semifinals. With this level of commitment and effectiveness, the Cules dream of a 2026 full of titles