Aston Villa’s perfect start to the Champions League came crashing to an end as Barcelona claimed a convincing 3-0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Unai Emery’s side arrived in Catalonia with three wins from three in the league phase. However, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha exposed Villa’s defensive weaknesses to move Barcelona above them in the standings.
Villa had opportunities to make the contest much closer, particularly before half-time. But missed chances proved costly, as Raphinha struck twice after the break to settle the contest.
Yamal punishes Villa mistake despite positive response
Barcelona took control after just seven minutes when an errant pass from João Gomes in his own penalty box gifted Yamal an opportunity.
He made no mistake, slotting it past Zion Suzuki with ease and into the top corner.
Villa responded well but was thwarted by a powerful volley that was just turned wide by Cash before Gomes had a shot of his own.
Johan Manzambi missed a chance after Nicolas Jackson provided a low ball into the box. Jackson had a chance to score but was denied by a quick reaction from the Barcelona goalkeeper in the form of Joan García.
This was followed up by a good stop from Suzuki to keep Villa in touch after a fine effort from Anthony Gordon. At the other end, García produced another important intervention to stop Manzambi.
Torres made a vital block to deny Raphinha increasing Barcelona’s advantage and going into the break. Villa had legitimate reasons to feel confident they could come back into the game.
Raphinha double puts Barcelona in control
Villa had started strongly in the second half but fell behind after just seven minutes.
Raphinha received a pass from Fermín López, used his left foot to create some space and placed a shot which took a deflection off Victor Lindelöf and caught Suzuki out to score.
The goal turned the momentum of the game in favour of the hosts. Barcelona continued to pose a threat, but Raphinha scored again in the 64th minute.
Cancelo delivered a fine cross from the right side of his foot, and Raphinha headed into an empty net to complete his brace and put Villa on the back foot.
However, Emery made three changes with Leon Goretzka, Ibrahim Mbaye and Ross Barkley coming onto the pitch. Goretzka hit the outside of the post with a glancing header.
Suzuki then denied López as Barcelona searched for a fourth. Villa introduced Alysson and Tammy Abraham late on, but the visitors could not find a consolation.
Villa must respond after European reality check
The loss ended Villa’s perfect 100% Champions League record after three straight wins. Barcelona leapfrogged past them into second place in the group.
Although Villa will be disappointed with the defensive mistakes and missed chances in the first half, they showed that they could cause problems to one of the best teams in Europe with their reaction to Yamal’s opener.
Emery’s side have a busy schedule ahead of them with a tough Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday followed by their Champions League clash against Galatasaray on November 24.
Despite creating chances, the game reminded everyone of what it takes to succeed at this level, as Barcelona took their chances and made them count.
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