Barcelona restored their four-point advantage at the top of La Liga with a composed 2-0 victory away to Villarreal, extending their winning streak to eight games before the winter break.
Raphinha opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after being fouled by Santi Comesaña, converting confidently against the run of play at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Villarreal’s task became steeper when Renato Veiga received a straight red card in the 39th minute for a reckless challenge on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old effectively sealed the points in the 63rd minute, calmly finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble for his ninth goal across all competitions this season.
Despite an energetic start from the hosts, who had won their previous six league matches, clear chances went begging. Nicolas Pépé headed wide and struck the crossbar, while Ayoze Pérez saw efforts deflected or saved.
A potential equaliser was ruled out for offside when Jules Koundé turned into his own net shortly before half-time.
Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona controlled the second half against the 10 men, with Raphinha also hitting the woodwork in the first period.
The Catalans return after the break with a derby against Espanyol on 3 January, while fourth-placed Villarreal visit Elche earlier that day.
