Barcelona 3-0 Aston Villa: Raphinha double helps hosts return to winning ways

Barcelona responded to their previous UEFA Champions League defeat with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Camp Nou on Tuesday night.

The hosts needed only seven minutes to take control. Joao Gomes misplaced a pass across the penalty area, allowing Lamine Yamal to intercept. The teenage forward showed impressive close control to evade Pau Torres before curling a fine finish into the far corner.

The goal took Barcelona number 10 Yamal to 14 goals in the Champions League, surpassing the record of 13 scored by Kylian Mbappe as a teenager.

Villa created chances to equalise and enjoyed a positive spell before half-time. Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof both had attempts blocked following set pieces, while Johan Manzambi missed a good opportunity after Nicolas Jackson played him through.

Manzambi also forced a save from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, ensuring the visitors continued to threaten despite falling behind early.

Barcelona extended their lead seven minutes into the second half. Fermin Lopez won possession and immediately found Raphinha, whose low shot took a deflection off Pau Torres. The change in direction wrong-footed Suzuki and sent the ball into the net.

Raphinha scored again in the 64th minute to complete his brace. Joao Cancelo drove forward on the left and produced an excellent outside-of-the-boot pass into the six-yard area, where Raphinha had timed his run perfectly before turning the ball home.

The goal was his 19th of the season and moved him level with Ronaldinho on 94 goals for Barcelona.

With Barcelona three goals ahead, Suzuki prevented Gordon from adding a fourth. Villa came close to scoring a consolation goal when Leon Goretzka’s header struck the post.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his side’s defensive display after the match.

“It was important to defend together and stay compact,” he told the press.

“The defence put in a great performance, and so did Joan Garcia. When you see such young players (Farinas, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin) performing at this level in the Champions League, I’m very happy about that.”

The result ended a difficult run for Barcelona, who had seen their 13-match winning streak halted by PSG a few weeks earlier. Spanish rivals Real Madrid then added to their disappointment by winning El Clasico five days later.

Flick was pleased with the way his players responded to those setbacks.

“In life and in football, it’s not about whether you make mistakes or lose, it’s about how you react,” he said.

“We always look forward, and I’m happy with that. It’s important that we stay calm and focused on the plan.”