POST MATCH: FC Barcelona edge past Villarreal CF in Camp Nou test

FC Barcelona returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Villarreal CF at the Camp Nou.

Ernesto Valverde's side lost 2-0 at Granada CF at the weekend, following on from a 0-0 Champions League draw against Borussia Dortmund, but they move up to fourth in the table with three points against Javi Calleja's side.

Antoine Griezmann got the defending champions up and running after just six minutes, nodding home Lionel Messi's near post corner.

FC Barcelona doubled their lead ten minutes later as Brazilian international Arthur Melo hammered home a 25-yard strike.

Villarreal CF looked to rally following the early setback, and Santi Cazorla matched Melo's goal with a spectacular long range goal just before the break.

FC Barcelona lost Messi at half time, due to a calf problem, but the visitors struggled to create clear chances in the second half, with substitute Moi Gomez coming closest to finding an equaliser.

Tags Antoine Griezmann Arthur Melo FC Barcelona Lionel Messi Santi Cazorla Villarreal CF
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