Lewandowski, Raphinha lead Barcelona in thrashing of Villarreal

To look at the scoreline, you would assume this was as routine as they come for the league leaders Barcelona, but in truth, it was an encounter that Villarreal more than played their part. You could question going toe-to-toe with a team that has the likes of Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha and Lewandowski in their ranks, but that is what they did and in Perez and Pepe, they always looked dangerous. However it was that aforementioned potency in the Barca ranks that saw them move clear at the top of the table ahead of rivals Real Madrid who are now four points behind them. A brace from Raphinha and Lewandowski - who also missed a penalty - sandwiched a goal from midfielder Torre to take the points and maintain their 100% league record. They did create plenty and accumulated 4.08 xG, with Villarreal mustering 2.11 xG in return. On another day, they could have made it a closer game and there were moments in the game when they could have supplemented their only goal by converting other presentable chances. Ultimately it wasn't to be and the host's unbeaten start comes to an end at the hands of the prolific pace-setters, Barca.