IN SPORT.ES
There is still hope, even if it’s slim. Maybe more so because of the performance than the result.
Barcelona put on possibly their best display under Quique Setien in a confident win over Villarreal after a testing week.
They started fast and thrived, halfway down Spain’s east coast.
Pau Torres diverted a Jordi Alba cross into his own net as he tried to stop Antoine Griezmann getting on the end of it.
Villarreal levelled through Gerard Moreno at the end of a quick break, but Barcelona were back ahead with a Luis Suarez special, excellently hit after being teed up by Lionel Messi.
It was three when the Argentine gave the ball to Griezmann, who lofted a fine chip home from the edge of the box.
A great half of football. It gave way to more bitty play after the break but Barcelona still had their chances, with Messi’s fourth being ruled out by VAR. Gerard Pique later sarcastically referred to the incident, with hand gestures, with Ansu Fati netting the fourth.
Sergio Asenjo tipped another effort onto the bar as Barcelona finished strongly.
“The three points were important to stay in the fight and the way we played is important too for us, we had a great game, we have to continue in this way,” said Gerard Pique.
RELATED STORIES
“Griezmann scoring is important for his confidence, we’re prepared for the next game which is (the Catalan derby) against Espanyol.”