Villarreal 1-5 Barcelona: Blaugrana Player Ratings as they continue rich vein of form | La Liga 2024-25

Barcelona continued their prolific goal-scoring as they put five past Villarreal to win 5-1 in La Liga on Sunday, September 23. They have now won all six of their La Liga games this season.

Hansi Flick made changes in midfield and defense, handing starts to youngsters Sergi Dominguez and Gerard Martin. The in-form Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski led the attack alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.

It was a good start from the visitors, with Yamal coming close early on as he hit the woodwork with a stunning long-range effort. Lewandowski eventually put them on the board in the 20th minute, putting it in the back of the net with ease via an assist from Pablo Torre.

He doubled his tally in the 35th minute, scoring from close range after a great cross from Yamal. Villarreal immediately pulled one back as Ayoze Perez scored just three minutes later. There was more trouble for Barcelona as Marc-Andre ter Stegen seemed to injure himself while defending a corner. The German was subbed off as Inaki Pena came on to replace him.

It didn't take long in the second half for the visitors to restore their two-goal advantage. Torre's effort deflected off a defender, wrong-footing the keeper to make it 3-1 in the 58th minute. Barcelona received a penalty in the 65th minute after Eric Bailly fouled Yamal in the box. However, Lewandowski missed the opportunity to seal his hat-trick, missing from the spot.

With Villarreal continuing to have their moments in the game, Raphinha eventually put the result to bed with a late brace. He scored in the 74th minute first with a powerful effort from the box before adding another in the 83rd minute with an accurate volley.

The result sees Barcelona go top of the table, four points above Real Madrid. Here are the player ratings:

Barcelona Player Ratings

Marc-Andre ter Stegen - 6.5/10

He made two good saves in the first half before being taken off with what seemed to be a serious injury.

Jules Kounde - 6.5/10

The Frenchman was lively down the right alongside Yamal and was a threatening presence when Barcelona were on the ball.

Sergi Dominguez - 5.5/10

He did not have a particularly great game, being caused problems by Pepe and Ayoze Perez before being replaced at the hour mark.

Inigo Martinez - 6/10

Figured to be better than his young partner in central defense with a decent outing.

Gerard Martin - 6/10

His inexperience showed as well as he looked out of sorts at times but he played a key role in the side's third goal.

Pablo Torre - 7/10

He was lively in his 60-minute outing, bagging a goal and an assist, and looked to be creative with his passing.

Eric Garcia - 6/10

The natural centre-back has been used in defensive midfield in recent times. His lack of experience in the position was on display, as he was unable to deal properly with Villarreal's threat going forward.

Pedri - 6/10

Was a little careless with the ball and didn't contribute much going forward.

Lamine Yamal - 8/10

Yamal continues to grow in stature as he put up another splendid performance on Sunday. While he did not get on the scoresheet, he was a thorn in the hosts' side, finishing with one assist, one penalty won and three chances created.

Robert Lewandowski - 8.5/10

He has looked sensational this campaign and is now up to six goals in the first six games for Barcelona. He displayed great finishing for his two efforts but should have secured the hat-trick from the spot.

Raphinha - 8.5/10

Arguably the side's best player not only on the night but for the whole campaign, Raphinha continued to impress. He bagged two more goals while also finishing with two chances created, 10 touches in the opposition box, and three successful dribbles.

Substitutes

Inaki Pena - 6/10

He didn't have much to do replacing ter Stegen for the second period.

Marc Casado - 6.5/10

A solid performance in front of the back four coming on for the last half hour.

Pau Victor - 7/10

The attacker combined well in his cameo and bagged an assist for Raphinha's first.

Pau Cubarsi - 6.5/10

Looked more composed than Dominguez and shored up Barcelona's defense late on.

Hector Fort - N/A

Fort came on too late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.