Villarreal Spoil Barcelona’s Title Party with a 3-2 Win at Estadi Olímpic

Despite already being crowned LaLiga champions, Barcelona’s celebrations were soured as Villarreal claimed a stunning 3-2 victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys. Hansi Flick’s side, playing their first home game since lifting the title, put on a spirited fight but ultimately fell short as the Yellow Submarine delivered a clinical display in the final third.

The visitors took an early lead, silencing the home crowd inside just four minutes. Nicolás Pépé timed his run to perfection, latching onto a ball over the top before squaring for Ayoze Pérez, who made no mistake slotting beyond Marc-André ter Stegen for 1-0. Villarreal looked sharp, creating 0.62 xG in the opening stages as Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm.

However, not many 17-year-olds can grab a title-winning side by the scruff of the neck quite like Lamine Yamal. The Blaugrana’s teenage sensation dragged his team back into the contest, firing in a superb equaliser after a pair of quick one-twos with Eric Garcia before curling a trademark finish into the bottom corner.

Barcelona’s momentum built from there, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez both threatening, and it was the latter who completed the turnaround right on the stroke of half-time. Yamal again played a key role, rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike. The rebound eventually fell to Fermin at the edge of the area, and he lashed a looping effort in off the post to make it 2-1 at the break.

But Villarreal weren’t done yet.

Five minutes into the second half, Yeremy Pino picked out a sensational through ball to Santi Comesaña, who ghosted in behind the static Barça defence before producing a delicate chip over Ter Stegen to bring the visitors level once more. That goal was one of the few clear openings Villarreal would fashion in the half, but their efficiency remained deadly.

Despite Barcelona generating 1.26 xG in the second period — with chances falling to Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin — the champions were wasteful, unable to convert their flurry of opportunities. And they paid the price with 10 minutes remaining.

Gerard Moreno’s brilliant low cross from the left evaded four Barcelona defenders, finding substitute Tajon Buchanan at the far post. The Canadian international took a touch before rifling past Ter Stegen to complete a remarkable smash-and-grab win for the Yellow Submarine, securing a crucial three points in their push for a Champions League spot.

Yamal continued to be a constant menace, finishing with four shots, 24 final-third passes, and five successful dribbles, but his individual brilliance wasn’t enough on this occasion. Barcelona, who suffered their first LaLiga defeat of 2025 and just their sixth of the season, will still lift the league trophy — though this was not the ending their home fans had envisioned.

Villarreal, meanwhile, confirmed their place at Europe’s top table next season with a disciplined, counter-attacking performance worthy of their ambitions.