Raphinha brace powers Barcelona to emphatic win over Aston Villa
By Tosin Omojola
Barcelona ended Aston Villa’s perfect start to the Champions League with an emphatic victory at the Spotify Nou Camp.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who scored twice, inspired the five-time European champions to victory after the Premier League side threatened to cause an upset in an entertaining first half. Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof and Johan Manzambi all had opportunities to score, but Villa were left to rue their missed chances.
Barcelona took an early lead in the seventh minute when Joao Gomes’ attempted clearance across the penalty area fell kindly to Yamal, who curled the ball into the net for his 13th goal in 15 appearances.
Villa responded positively, refusing to sit back as they created several opportunities to draw level. Cash and Lindelof both saw their efforts deflected behind, while Manzambi fired wide before forcing a save from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
However, Villa’s wastefulness proved costly seven minutes into the second half when Raphinha’s low effort took a deflection off Pau Torres, wrong-footing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to double Barcelona’s advantage.
The former Leeds United forward struck again in the 64th minute, finishing from close range after an excellent run and perfectly weighted pass from Joao Cancelo. Suzuki subsequently denied Anthony Gordon a fourth goal as Barcelona continued to threaten.
Villa pushed for a consolation, with Leon Goretzka’s header striking the post, but Barcelona held on to secure their first clean sheet in European competition since April 2025.
The victory lifted Barcelona above Aston Villa into second place in the Champions League league-phase standings.
