The dance of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal leads Barca to the Winter Championship

23/12/2025 07:36:00 ceshi

Raphinha scored from the penalty spot, and Lamine Yamal secured the 2-0 win against Villarreal, helping Barca claim the winter championship.

Winter started with a victory for the reigning champions and La Liga leaders, Barcelona. There was no better way to end the year 2025. It remains unknown what might have happened if the game had been played in Miami as La Liga intended (which was eventually canceled), rather than at Villarreal – a fortress unbeaten until this match but always a favorable place for Barcelona, who have not lost there since the 2007-08 season, the year marking the end of Frank Rijkaard’s reign and the dawn of Pep Guardiola’s era and a new chapter for Barca.

Barcelona traveled with high spirits after their slip at Stamford Bridge. Hansi Flick’s team’s form streak nearly overwhelmed the opponents. The match consistently favored the visitors: luck, effectiveness, and strong protection by Joan Garcia. Barcelona’s goalkeeper maintained the lead from Raphinha’s penalty and the advantage after Renato Veiga’s red card. Without the "brain" Pedri, the match was sealed by Lamine Yamal’s skillful finish.

Both teams entered the match with significant absences, including Barca missing Pedri due to injury, which allowed De Jong to return to the starting lineup, partnering with the in-form Eric Garcia.

Barca’s style changes significantly depending on Pedri’s presence. This posed a big challenge for De Jong in a match requiring high precision, especially against Marcelino’s Villarreal, the team conceding the fewest goals in La Liga.

The match was summed up from the very first play: from Barcelona’s rhythmic attack to Villarreal’s counterattack, ending with Pepe’s shot narrowly missing the post. Villarreal’s offensive moves felt more dangerous than Barca’s, which repeatedly lost possession but was extremely efficient with its first shot on target.

Winning the winter title is a key milestone on Barca’s path to the season championship.

Raphinha received the ball from Lamine after a corner, was fouled inside the box. Raphinha himself converted the penalty, confirming his contribution since recovering from injury. Later, Raphinha hit the crossbar while Villarreal pressed hard but failed to beat Joan Garcia.

Barca was unstable, with De Jong uninspired, but still dynamic thanks to Raphinha’s off-the-ball runs and Lamine Yamal’s attractive ball control, who caused Renato Veiga to receive a red card.

The 1-0 score and numerical advantage invited Barcelona to control the game, although before halftime, Villarreal was the dominant side despite being a man down. Joan Garcia remained the standout player for the visitors.

Against an opponent that failed to seize opportunities, Barcelona’s instruction was to reduce mistakes, increase ball safety, and if possible, end the match. The second goal arrived at an ideal substitution moment, marked by Lamine Yamal.

No one was better suited than Lamine to resolve a chaotic moment, closing the still undecided match and confirming Barca’s victory. The dance of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal helped Barca win the winter title.

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