Lionel Messi was substituted at half-time on his first LaLiga start of the season as Barcelona claimed a 2-1 victory over Villarreal.
2019/2020 La Liga
2-1
Match Reports
Barcelona earned head coach Ernesto Valverde a much-needed 2-1 LaLiga victory over Villarreal but Lionel Messi was substituted at half-time, cutting short his first start of the season.
After a modest start to the campaign Valverde's position had come under increasing scrutiny, yet goals from Antoine Griezmann and Arthur secured three welcome points on Tuesday.
Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla pulled a goal back before the break, but Barcelona's defence stood firm in the second half.
Messi pulled up with a muscle injury just before the half-hour mark and despite returning to the field following treatment was replaced by Ousmane Dembele at the interval.
The Argentina forward, finally able to make his 400th LaLiga start following a calf problem, had been instrumental in his team's sixth-minute opener at Camp Nou.
Match Events
6' GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Villarreal (Griezmann)
Messi claims the assist and he deserves plenty of praise for his corner. The Argentina international added the perfect amount of spin to allow Griezmann to find some space.
15' GOAL! Barcelona 2-0 Villarreal (Arthur)
Arthur receives a pass from Busquets before unleashing a powerful drive to give Asenjo no chance in goal.
44' GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal (Cazorla)
Cazorla decides he wants to try and win goal of the match as he lets fly from lone range, just like Arthur.
46' Messi is replaced by Dembele
Ousmane Dembélé replaces Lionel Messi because of an injury.
83' Barcelona appeal for a penalty
Ansu Fati is brought down and the referee appears to point to the spot. However, he speaks to his fellow officials and waves away the appeals.
Player Ratings
