Villarreal B v FC Barcelona B: Impenetrable wall halts run (2-0)

It wasn’t to be for Barça B who see their run come to an end due to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Villarreal B following ninety minutes in which the Catalans deserved more. Aleñá and Palencia were the two best players on the pitch but they were unable to do anything about Gerard López’s team’s first defeat since the 3-1 reverse against Badalona at the start of November.

Villarreal take an early lead

The game started with both teams showing each other respect. Slowly, the blaugranas began to control possession in midfield with Villarreal deciding against a high press and waiting for the away side in their own half.

The host's clear defensive lines and conservative approach gave Barça B plenty of possession but they had to remain patient as there was no clear way past the massed ranks. Then, against the run of play, Pau Torres gave Villarreal B the lead with a firm header from a free kick in the 15th minute.

Searching for a leveller 

Gerard López’s side needed to get back into the game at a difficult away ground against well organised opposition. The home side threatened from dead ball situations and the blaugranas attempted to make the most of occasional moments in which Villarreal’s defence was slightly disorganised. Alfaro had a good chance to bring his side level in the 23rd minute but was unable to beat the keeper who saved well.

Barça B went up a gear and got closer to the home team’s goal. Aleñá was prominent and he had two clear opportunities in under five minutes. These chances came from a high press in the midfield which forced Villarreal into losing possession frequently in dangerous areas. Despite the blaugranas' good football and positive play López’s players were unable to overturn the score before the end of the first half.

The script remained unchanged after the break with Barça B looking for an equaliser. A Palencia foray down the wing led to one of the best chances of the match with a well struck Aleña effort from outside the box being saved by Cantero.

Penalty seals home win

In the 63rd minute, the midfielder Kaptoum’s shot from distance flew just wide. The blaugranas’ effort was in no doubt but they still couldn’t get the all-important equaliser. In the 85th minute, the game slipped away from the away side even further when Villarreal B doubled their advantage with a Carlos Martínez penalty. The result means Barça B were unable to add to their points tally this weekend but they will stay top of the table in Group 3 of Division 2B.