Spanish La Liga to side Barcelona seems to have returned to winning ways with the arrival of their new manager Xavi Hernandez. It is now two wins in three games without a loss. They struck twice late on to snatch all three points from a spirited Villarreal side in La Liga.
Frenkie De Jong’s close-range finish opened the scoring, but Barcelona was clinging on after Nigerian star player Samuel Chukwueze’s well-taken leveler in the 76th minute to level the scores to 1-1.
But Memphis Depay pounced after the Villarreal defense failed to clear a long clearance in the 88th minute. Also, Substitute Philippe Coutinho slotted an injury-time penalty to make sure they grab all three points from the game.
Barcelona remain seventh in the Spanish top flight league table despite their first away league win of the season, but are now only three points from the Champions League places and seven off leaders Real Madrid.
The win also ensures new manager Xavi’s unbeaten start to his term at the Nou Camp. Villarreal did well but could not make good use of their chances with Arnaut Danjuma and Manu Trigueros overrunning Barca defenders creating lots of chances.
The hosts, who also saw a strong first-half claim for a penalty turned away, were left ruing their defensive shortcoming as Colombian Pervis Estupinan allowed Memphis Depay in to round the keeper and put his side back in front against the run of play.