Barcelona return to Champions League winning form as Yamal and Raphinha defeat Aston Villa

Barcelona returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

The result was Barcelona’s third win in the league phase and moved them on to nine points in second place. Aston Villa also have nine points but dropped to third after suffering their first defeat of the campaign, having previously won all three of their matches.

Barcelona took the lead in the seventh minute through Lamine Yamal before Raphinha struck twice after half-time, scoring in the 53rd and 65th minutes.

The Catalan side responded strongly to their 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the previous round, producing an assured attacking performance under manager Hansi Flick.

Flick’s decision to deploy a high press caused Aston Villa significant problems. Barcelona repeatedly forced errors from the visiting players and created several clear opportunities to extend their advantage, with Yamal particularly influential throughout the game.

Aston Villa struggled to cope with the intensity of Barcelona’s pressure and were punished for costly mistakes. However, Unai Emery’s side still posed a serious threat, especially during the first half, when they created four clear chances.

Those opportunities tested Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, but Villa were unable to convert them and ultimately suffered their first loss in the league phase. Barcelona, meanwhile, secured a convincing third victory and restored momentum in the competition.