Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 2-1 home victory over Villarreal, but will now await news on whether Lionel Messi is set for another injury layoff.
Lionel Messi was back for his first start after a calf injury, having appeared as a substitute in the 0-0 draw at Borussia Dortmund last weekend and again in the 2-0 loss away to Granada on Sunday.
A corner from the Argentine was glanced home by Griezmann after just six minutes, the French forward with the faintest of touches to beat Sergio Asenjo at his near post.
Ernesto Valverde’s side continued to dominate and Arthur made it 2-0 after a quarter of an hour as he hit a fierce drive past Asenjo from outside the area. The ball looked to move in the air and gave the Villarreal goalkeeper no chance.
Villarreal had more possession later in the half and Santi Cazorla pulled a goal back after 44 minutes when he hit a thunderous effort with his left foot which also moved in the air and deceived Stegen on its way to the back of the net.
This post was last modified on September 24, 2019 10:35 pm