Claudio Bravo 8
A good piece of skill to keep the ball away from Soldado – it felt like we were watching Ter Stegen. Made a fine stop from Samu just before the interval.
Dani Alves 5
A sleepy start to the game, letting Villarreal attack down his side and giving the ball away on a couple of occasions. Should have scored in the second half but Areola made a great save from his close range effort.
Gerard Pique 7
No issues on a quiet afternoon for Barcelona’s defenders. There when he needed to be, which was not very often.
Jeremy Mathieu 7
Had a shot palmed away after he charged up the left on a big Barcelona break. Safe and sound in defence.
Jordi Alba 7
Got forward on occasion but not as frequently as he sometimes does. Quick and tidy at the back, with a couple of good interceptions.
Sergio Busquets 9
His recent performances have been excellent and this was no different. Intercepted a Villarreal ball and fed it through perfectly for Neymar to put away for the opener. Some great interplay with Iniesta in the second period.
Sergi Roberto 7
Took a backseat in comparison with his midfield team-mates, but not a shrinking violet. Got involved in some good combinations and worked hard. A couple of poor shots towards the end when he should have done better.
Andres Iniesta 9
In sparkling form at the moment, he was the main instigator of Barcelona attacks. Still finds it hard to score though, spuring a great chance with the goal at his mercy, denied by a good Areola save. Influence waned a little in the second half, as Neymar took the fore.
Munir El Haddadi 8
Some good dribbling and got back well to help Dani Alves defend on various occasions. Taken out by Jaime Costa for the penalty. Worked very hard throughout.
Luis Suarez 7
A couple of off-target shots in the opening period, and overall this was not among his finer showings. However, did a good dummy in the build up to Iniesta’s big chance and put his penalty away well.
Neymar 9
Started well but faded in the last 20 minutes of the first half. A wonderful cross found Alves at the back post early in the second half, but the keeper denied the Brazilian. Finished coolly when played in by Busquets to break the deadlock. Kicked again and again by Villarreal players, but kept probing for more chances. Eventually he got one and – you’ve probably seen it by now – the result was spectacular.
SUBS
Sandro Ramirez (for Munir) N/A
Marc Bartra (for Pique) N/A