Villarreal Stuns Barcelona with Late Winner

Villarreal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against LaLiga champions Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday. This win guarantees Villarreal a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The match also marked Barcelona’s first home loss of 2025.

Ayoze Pérez gave the visitors an early advantage, scoring in the 4th minute from a Nicolas Pépé cross.

Barcelona responded when teenager Lamine Yamal equalized in the 38th minute with a stunning left-footed shot into the far corner, marking his ninth league goal this season.

Fermin Lopez then put Barcelona ahead in stoppage time of the first half, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Villarreal fought back in the second half, with Santi Comesaña leveling the score just five minutes after the restart.

The deciding goal came in the 80th minute when substitute Tajon Buchanan scored a spectacular winner, securing Villarreal’s place in the top five with 67 points and one game remaining. They now hold an eight-point lead over sixth-placed Real Betis.

Despite the defeat, Barcelona celebrated their official crowning as LaLiga champions for the 2024–25 season.

Under the guidance of new manager Hansi Flick, the Catalan club achieved a domestic treble, winning LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.