Tough game against Villareal ends 2-1 for the Catalans

Two goals from Neymar Junior was enough to give the Catalans victory over a stubborn Villareal side who managed to snatch a goal at the Camp Nou yesterday.This puts 5 points between Barca and Real Madrid who only managed a 2-2 draw at Osasuna with the Merengues clearly not happy with the ref who should have given a penalty for a foul on Modric among other things.

Neymar’s first goal was a penalty in the 30th minute with Musacchio for Villareal making it a goal apiece just after half time. Then in the 68th minute Neymar struck again to sentence the game. It wasn’t the most brilliant performance by the young Brazilian but it allowed his team to take advantage over a slip up by Real Madrid and put 5 points between the sides.

The penalty served the purpose of freeing up the game for Barca, who up until then, found it hard to get into the game. In my opinion the penalty was rather harsh on Mario as Jordi Alba, outside the box on the left, volleyed the ball straight at Mario, with the Villareal player desperately trying to retrieve his arm.The ref was in a good position but pointed to the spot far too quickly for my liking. It was ball to hand rather than hand to ball and you cannot do much about those.

The Catalans are still suffering from any set pieces and Musacchio’s goal came from a corner. The Catalans need to be tighter at the back and get it together in order to defend better.

So, at the end, it means another 3 points in the bag for Martino’s men. Barcelona’s next league match is against Getafe on 22nd December away. It would mean another chance for Barca to rack up another 3 points.Getafe are currently a respectable 7th in the league table just behind Athletic Bilbao, who are in 6th place.