Barca hit by Villarreal late show before Xavi bombshell

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Barcelona endured a traumatic evening as visitors Villarreal scored two stoppage-time goals to secure a 5-3 LaLiga win on Saturday before Xavi Hernandez announced he would step down as Barca manager at the end of the season.

Barca remained third in the standings on 44 points, 10 behind leaders Real Madrid and eight adrift of second-placed Girona. Villarreal climbed to 14th on 23 points.

Xavi Fernandez reacts during a LaLiga match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Barcelona, Spain, January 27, 2024. /CFP

Although Barca were in control with 70 percent possession, it was Villarreal who opened up a 2-0 lead with goals from Gerard Moreno in the 41st minute and Ilias Akhomach in the 54th.

First they caught the hosts napping from a throw-in as Alexander Sorloth reacted quickly to deliver a fine low cross to Moreno who unleashed a first-time strike into the top corner before Ilias Akhomach made the most of defender Joao Cancelo's mistake.

Barcelona fought back in an 11-minute spell, through strikes by Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri eight minutes later before an own goal from Eric Bailly as he tried to clear Frenkie de Jong's free kick in the 71st minute.

Villarreal responded when Sorloth started another quick counter attack with a great long pass to Goncalo Guedes, who collected the ball in his stride before firing home the equalizer six minutes from time.

Barca went on the attack and were awarded a penalty for a Santi Comesana handball in the 90th minute. However, after a video assistant referee (VAR) check, the referee changed his decision despite the video replay clearly showing the ball had hit his elbow.

With Barca pushing for a winner, their defence was exposed and Sorloth and Jose Luis Morales struck to secure the points.

(With input from Reuters)