The draw saw Barca's lead over Atletico Madrid, who earlier won 2-0 at home to Girona, being trimmed to eight points ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash at the Nou Camp. But Villarreal, who began the game one point above the relegation zone, hauled themselves into contention with a strike from 19-year-old Samuel Chukwueze midway through the first half. Barca's Argentine talisman Messi was called from the bench to rescue the champions but instead Villarreal increased their lead with a strike from their substitute Carlos Bacca. Coutinho should have made it 3-0 when he raced into space unchallenged but his attempted chip bounced off the far post. But, spurred on by Messi, Barca roared back to life, showing why they enjoy such a generous lead at the top of the league.

Source: bd News24 April 02, 2019 21:33 UTC