The start of the match did not go to plan for the Catalans, who were put on the back foot by a determined Villarreal side. However, they defended well and managed to grab the opening goal from the penalty spot against the run of play in the 12th minute, with Raphinha converting from the spot.

Villarreal came into the match on a six-match winning streak in LaLiga and that confidence showed as they responded to going down well and created several chances to get back into the game.

Unfortunately, their task became much more difficult in the 39th minute after Renato Veiga was shown a red card for a horrible tackle on Lamine Yamal.

Barca took control of the game after that moment and Yamal doubled their advantage and secured the 2-0 win with a close-range effort in the 63rd minute, leaving Villarreal to rue missed opportunities and bad discipline.

Elsewhere in LaLiga on Sunday, Atletico Madrid coasted past Girona with a resounding 3-0 win at Estadi Montilivi to move third in LaLiga.

Atleti grabbed the lead in the 13th minute with Koke hitting an incredible 25-metre drive into the top corner.

The visitors had a stroke of luck in the 38th minute when Conor Gallagher's effort was deflected past Paulo Gazzaniga to make it 2-0.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was called into action on numerous occasions as Girona looked for a way back into the game but he was always up to the task.

Antoine Griezmann secured the points for Atleti with a late strike two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game to round out the scoring.

Elche moved into the top half with a resounding 4-0 win over struggling Rayo Vallecano at Estadio Martínez Valero.

Hector Fort opened the scoring inside the opening six minutes. However, despite their dominance, they had to wait for the second half for it to materialise on the scoreboard.

After the break, Alvaro Rodriguez doubled their advantage in the 67th minute before German Valera made it 3-0 just three minutes later.

Martim Neto rounded out the scoring with a well-placed finish one minute into stoppage time at the end of the game.

Real Betis secured their place in the top six of LaLiga by thrashing Getafe 4-0 at Estadio de la Cartuja.

Betis dominated the match from start to finish and Aitor Ruibal opened the scoring in just the 16th minute of the game.

He completed his brace four minutes after half-time to make it 2-0 before Pablo Fornals added a third three minutes later.

Cucho Hernandez scored the fourth around the hour mark as Betis made short work of their opposition.

Barcelona face urgent defensive 'transfer' decisions after Andreas Christensen injury