Veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski tapped home the winning goal, his first of the season, after Yamal’s drive hit the post, to send Barca provisionally third.
“We have to look at our youth academy, and even more so given the situation we’re in economically,” Barca coach Xavi told Movistar, after also giving midfielder Fermin Lopez his debut as a substitute.
“Lamine had another great game. He helped us a lot. He set up a couple of goals and he created so much at 16 years old.”
With Xavi watching on from high in the stands, serving a suspension, his charges took an early two-goal lead against the run of play.
Villarreal started brightly and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen did well to cut out Alexander Sorloth’s cut-back. The Norwegian forward also had a goal strike out for offside.
However, Barcelona pounced after 12 minutes when Yamal crossed to the back post to find fellow academy graduate Gavi, who headed home.
Just three minutes later Frenkie de Jong rolled home the Catalans’ second. Alfonso Pedraza tackled Lewandowski but the ball rebounded kindly into the Dutch midfielder’s path and he finished calmly.
Barcelona were missing injured midfielder Pedri and left-back Alejandro Balde, and Villarreal soon hit back.
Juan Foyth produced a bullet header from Alex Baena’s corner to earn the hosts a foothold at the Estadio de la Ceramica — it was the first goal Barcelona has conceded this season.
The second soon followed with Sorloth tapping home Pedraza’s cross after a sublime pass by veteran forward Gerard Moreno helped create the chance.
Villarreal went ahead early in the second half after another impressive surge from Pedraza, who teed up Baena for a clinical finish.
Captain Sergi Roberto struggled badly at right back for Barcelona, who are close to signing Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on loan to occupy that position.
Barca winger Yamal crashed an effort against the crossbar as he frequently pried at Villarreal’s defense, looking to drag the visitors level.
Substitute Ferran Torres continued his strong pre-season form by pulling Barcelona level and soon Lewandowski put the champions ahead.
Yamal was heavily involved again, with his vicious drive tipped onto the post by Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, but Lewandowski was in the right place at the right time to turn home the rebound.
The Polish striker could have killed the game in stoppage time but fired at Jorgensen when through on goal, selfishly deciding not to pass to Ansu Fati, running alongside in support.
“I’m happy with how I’m doing things — a lot of the time invisible work isn’t seen and it doesn’t reflect on the pitch,” said Torres, who scored in the win over Cadiz last week.
Yamal, playing in place of suspended winger Raphinha, did more than enough to give his coach Xavi a selection headache next weekend when the Brazilian returns.
“They fill the box with players and had a rebound that we couldn’t deal with well,” Villarreal’s Foyth told Movistar.
“When they score four against you, you can always improve.”
AFP
