FC Barcelona DEMOLISH Villarreal as Hansi Flick establishes 4-point lead in La Liga
FC Barcelona ran riot of Villarreal as the two sides met on Sunday. Hansi Flick's men won the game by 5 goals to one.
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Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha & Pablo Torre bagged the goals as Barca won 5-1 against Villarreal (Via X/@FCBarcelona)
Hansi Flick has started working his magic at FC Barcelona. After a disappointing outing against AS Monaco in the Champions League, the club returned to action against Villarreal in La Liga. The hosts were in for a long night as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal put on a show. 5-1 read the final score as Barcelona established a 4-point lead in the competition.
Barcelona took the early lead in the 20th minute through Robert Lewandowski, who got on the end of a pass from Pablo Torre. The second goal was partly created by Lamine Yamal, who sent in a hopeful cross into the penalty area, which was expertly converted by the Polish striker through an improvised overhead kick.
Ayoze Perez pulled one back for the hosts before Marc-Andre ter Stegen was stretchered off after landing awkwardly on his back. Inaki Pena replaced the German, only for Villarreal to score instantly. Even though the goal was ruled out for offside, Barcelona rode out a wave of late pressure from their opponents.
Minutes later, Torre bagged his first goal of the season before Raphinha went on to secure a brace to ensure that Barca continued their superb run in the League. Following the game, fans expressed their concern for Ter Stegen and wished for his speedy recovery.
Barcelona in trouble after Marc-Andre ter Stegen suffers serious injury against Villarreal
Fans and players alike expressed their concern for club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the German keeper writhed in pain after suffering an injury to his knee on Sunday night. The 32-year-old is Hansi Flick’s No.1 choice and has started every game in La Liga and the Champions League. However, an injury to his knee may mean a 7-month long absence for the shot stopper.
As per reports, the player may be out for over 8 months with his injury affecting the patellar tendon. Ter Stegen suffered similar injuries in both 2020 and 2021 and underwent surgeries in both years. As of now, Barcelona will rely on Inaki Pena and 20-year-old Ander Astralaga as replacements for the player. Club teammate Pedri dedicated the win to his captain while several others wished the player a speedy recovery.
As per La Liga rules, the club will only be able to sign unemployed players (players that are out of contract) as replacement for the German. Jules Kounde, Thibaut Courtois and Hansi Flick all hoped for the best as fans of the club were saddened upon learning the news. Images of the player leaving the hospital in a wheelchair and a fan wearing his jersey at the hospital have gone viral following the game.
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Sherwin Shaju
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