Barça ends the year on a high with a 2-0 win over Villarreal

Match Recap

Barcelona's Spanish goalkeeper Juan Garcia expressed happiness after a 2-0 win over Villarreal in La Liga. The Blaugrana played their final match of the year on Sunday, triumphing 2-0 at La Ceramica in La Liga matchday 17.

Garcia said after the game that they knew how important it was to take the three points in the last game of the year and that they had achieved it, finishing on top of the table. He added that they are mid-season and there is still a lot to come.

Things are usually easier when the opponent is a man down, but they would have liked to seal the game earlier by scoring the second goal. He also noted that Villarreal defended well despite the numerical disadvantage.

Regarding the defense, he said that when the ball comes to him he tries to stop it; some days he can, some days he cannot, but today the clean sheet was a welcome result.

With the victory, Barcelona moved to 46 points at the top of La Liga, four clear of Real Madrid, while Villarreal remained on 35 points in fourth. This match is Barca's last of 2026, with their next game set for January 3 against Espanyol.

Outlook and Notes

The remarks show Barca heads into the new year with confidence, though the team will again be tested in the second half of the season.

Villarreal, despite going a man down, performed well and showed strong defensive organization.

The end of the year also brings a couple of light notes. Barca's defense has been tight lately, and fans can dream of more victories ahead.

Barca's defense was so airtight that the ball filed a complaint for lack of contact.

If La Liga were a sniper duel, Barca just hit the bullseye on the last day of the year.