Barcelona re-established a four-point cushion over Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga with an impressive victory away to Villarreal, who were forced to play much of the game with 10 men.
Despite a lively start from the hosts, it was Hansi Flick’s side who struck first against the run of play in the 12th minute.
Raphinha kept his nerve from the penalty spot after being felled in the box by Santi Comesana to give Barca the lead.
Villarreal, who arrived on the back of six straight league wins, continued to threaten.
Nicolas Pepe headed wide from close range, while Ayoze Perez saw one effort deflected away before firing tamely at Joan Garcia.
The home side’s task became significantly harder six minutes before the break when Renato Veiga was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge from behind on teenage winger Lamine Yamal.
Barcelona nearly doubled their advantage before half-time, Raphinha smashing the crossbar with a fierce strike from distance.
Villarreal thought they had equalised when Jules Kounde diverted Sergi Cardona’s cross into his own net, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Pepe later hit the bar when clean through, though that chance would also have been ruled out.
With the extra man, Barcelona took control after the interval.
Luiz Junior produced a fine save to deny Fermin Lopez early in the second half, but the contest was effectively decided just after the hour mark.
Yamal reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, calmly poking home to make it 2-0.
Villarreal still searched for a way back, with Georges Mikautadze thwarted in a one-on-one by Garcia, but Barcelona remained composed and saw out the closing stages with little alarm.
The win extends Barca’s winning run in La Liga to eight matches and reinforces their grip on top spot, while Villarreal remain fourth despite a spirited display.
