Barcelona Slip to Villarreal in La Liga Celebration Hangover

With the La Liga title already wrapped up, a party-weary Barcelona side fell 3-2 at home to a motivated Villarreal in Matchday 37, as the champions showed signs of post-title relaxation both on and off the pitch.

The Catalan giants, fresh off several days of title celebrations across the city, fielded a rotated squad and lacked their usual sharpness. Ayoze Pérez struck first for Villarreal, capitalizing on Barça’s sluggish start. However, the hosts responded quickly, with rising star Lamine Yamal and young midfielder Fermín López finding the net to put the home side briefly in front.

But Villarreal, still fighting to secure their UEFA Champions League place and fending off competition from Real Betis, had more on the line — and it showed. Second-half goals from Santi Comesaña and Tajon Buchanan flipped the scoreline back in the visitors' favor, and the Yellow Submarine held firm to secure a statement win at the Camp Nou.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Barcelona - Villarreal 2:3 (2:1)
Goals: Perez A., 4 (0:1); Yamal, 38 (1:1); Fermin, 45 (2:1); Comesaña, 50 (2:2); Buchanan T., 80 (2:3)

Barcelona: ter Stegen; Cubarsí; Martinez In.; Garcia E. (Fort H., 74); Martín (Balde Al., 46); Gavi (Olmo, 85); Fermin; Raphinha; Yamal; Pedri (de Jong F., 46); Lewandowski (Pau Victor, 74)
Bench: Peña I.; Szczesny; Christensen A.; Domínguez S.; Torre P.; Casado M.; Fati An.
Yellow Cards: Garcia E. 43; Olmo 86

Villarreal: Júnior L.; Costa Lo.; Foyth; Cardona S.; Badenes (Kambwala, 64); Dani Parejo (Gueye P.A., 58); Comesaña; Álex Baena; Pino Y. (Buchanan T., 64); Pépé N. (Gerard Moreno, 77); Perez A. (Barry T., 46)
Bench: Conde; Bailly; Pedraza A.; Kiko; Eyong; Denis Suarez