Barcelona responded to their Clasico defeat with a straightforward 3-0 win over Villarreal, with Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati netting.
Robert Lewandowski scored two stunning goals as Barcelona beat Villarreal 3-0 at Camp Nou to bounce back from El Clasico disappointment.
Barca lost their first clash of the season against bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday but quickly shrugged off the defeat as Villarreal were swept aside on Thursday.
Three first-half goals in seven minutes left the Yellow Submarine at sea, with Lewandowski netting a couple of superb efforts before Ansu Fati ensured the game was effectively over before the break.
Villarreal never threatened a turnaround as Xavi’s side eased the pressure that had begun to mount after a run of just one win in four games.
After a frustrating opening half hour, a magical moment brought the first goal in the 31st minute.
A lovely pass from Pedri released Jordi Alba and his subsequent low cross found Lewandowski, whose first-time backheeled touch took out three Villarreal players and set up a simple finish.
Moments later, Lewandowski did the damage from distance, curling his 25-yard effort beyond the reach of Geronimo Rulli.
Fati’s goal was a bit luckier, although the finish was no less elegant.
Fati should have tapped in after a brilliant run from Ferran Torres and a cut-back, but his flicked effort came back off the post and allowed him to backheel over the line.
Chances largely dried up in a lackluster second half, although Raphinh should have made it 4-0 when he headed in Ousmane Dembele’s cross from close range.
But the Brazilian’s failure was ultimately to no avail as Barca saw out the second half comfortably.
