Barcelona ended Aston Villa’s winning run in the Champions League with a 3-0 victory at Camp Nou on Tuesday.
The result gave Barcelona their third win in the league phase and moved them to nine points in second place. They had lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in their previous match.
Aston Villa suffered their first defeat of the competition after starting the league phase with three successive victories. They remain on nine points but drop to third.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Raphinha struck twice after the interval, scoring in the 53rd and 65th minutes.
Barcelona produced an impressive attacking display, with manager Hansi Flick instructing his side to apply pressure high up the pitch. That approach disrupted Aston Villa’s attempts to build from the back and forced the visitors into several costly errors.
The home side could have extended their advantage, however, after creating a number of further clear chances. Yamal was particularly influential, repeatedly causing problems for the Aston Villa defence.
Despite Barcelona’s dominance, the English side posed a significant threat to Joan Garcia’s goal, especially during the first half. Aston Villa created four dangerous opportunities before the interval but were unable to convert any of them.
Barcelona’s pressure eventually proved decisive as their greater control and attacking quality secured a convincing win, while Aston Villa’s run of three consecutive victories came to an end.
