Barcelona will head into 2026 sitting pretty, four points clear at the top of LaLiga, as Real Madrid trails behind once again.

That cushion followed a routine 2-0 victory over a 10-man Villarreal side on Sunday night.

Hansi Flick’s side struck early through Raphinha, who coolly converted a penalty he won himself after being clipped by Santi Comesana.

Villarreal’s evening worsened just before half-time when Renato Veiga flew into Lamine Yamal, earning a straight red card and effectively ending the contest.

Yamal rubbed salt into the wounds by poking home Barcelona’s second after a goalmouth scramble.

The win lifts Barcelona to 46 points, leaving Real Madrid second on 42 and staring at familiar ground.