LaLiga: Villarreal's Late Surge Secures 3-2 Win Over Barcelona

Barcelona's title party was ruined by Villarreal's 3-2 victory, with the Yellow Submarine's win ensuring their return to the Champions League. Read the match report.

Villarreal spoiled Barcelona's title celebrations with a 3-2 win, securing crucial points that ensured their qualification for next season's Champions League.

The match took place amidst a festive atmosphere at the Estadio Lluis Companys, potentially Barça's last home game at the stadium before returning to Camp Nou. Despite the party mood, Barcelona's loss ended their unbeaten LaLiga run.

Villarreal's lightning-fast breakaway just three minutes into the match resulted in a well-deserved goal, as Ayoze Pérez skillfully directed a low shot inside the post after receiving a cross-field pass from Nicolas Pépé.

The early goal slightly dampened the festive atmosphere, but it seemed to energize the hosts instead.

Fermín López had a couple of promising moments early in the game, first nearly equalizing and then being denied by a remarkable save from goalkeeper Luiz Júnior.

As the match progressed, it followed a familiar pattern, with Barcelona dominating possession and Villarreal opting to sit deep and counter-attack, looking to catch their opponents off guard.

Robert Lewandowski had a towering header that was remarkably kept out, while at the other end, Nicolas Pépé missed a promising breakaway chance after overcomplicating things.

Despite largely nullifying Lamine Yamal's impact for long stretches, Villarreal couldn't prevent the teenager from scoring a trademark goal, his ninth in the league, in the 38th minute to level the score.

Lamine Yamal showcased his exceptional skill with a dazzling move that nearly led to Barcelona's second goal. However, the Catalans didn't have to wait long, as Fermín sealed the second goal in first-half injury time.

The deadlock was briefly undone five minutes after halftime when Villarreal's Santi Comesaña expertly chipped the ball over Marc-André ter Stegen after beating the offside trap.

FT: #BarçaVillarreal 2-3

Buchanan wins it for @VillarrealCFen. 🇨🇦💛#LALIGAEASPORTS | #DesenlaceLALIGA pic.twitter.com/vWEMXvrNfc

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 18, 2025

Villarreal showed resilience, continuing to push forward and create scoring opportunities despite being behind. Barcelona's pressure was met with vulnerability to long balls, turning the match into a tactical battle.

As the game entered its final stages, midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Fermín López worked tirelessly in a congested area, while Raphinha had a straightforward chance slip away when he dragged his shot wide with 15 minutes remaining.

Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez made crucial defensive plays to limit Villarreal's scoring chances. However, they couldn't prevent Tajon Buchanan's decisive moment, as he was left unmarked in the box with the time and space to score, securing the win for Villarreal.

STANDINGS | Here is how the table looks after MD 37. 🏆#DesenlaceLALIGA | #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/CFyWWRzyFd

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 18, 2025

The victory marked Marcelino's second win in 23 matches against Barcelona. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick's team will look to end the season on a high note when they travel to Athletic Club for the final matchday.