Villarreal qualified for next season’s Champions League in dramatic fashion after beating Barcelona 3-2 at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday evening. The result not only handed Villarreal a major boost in their European hopes but also marked the Catalan giants’ first home league loss of 2025.
Barcelona had just wrapped up their 28th La Liga title days earlier and celebrated with a parade on Friday. Despite the party atmosphere, coach Hansi Flick fielded a strong starting eleven, reminding his players that “those who party, can work.” The reigning champions were clearly aiming to maintain momentum heading into the end of the season.
But it was Villarreal who started brighter. Their in-form striker Ayoze Pérez opened the scoring after being played through by Nicolas Pépé. Pérez calmly slotted the ball past Marc-André ter Stegen to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who had scored the decisive goal that clinched the title against Espanyol, equalized with another brilliant solo effort. The 17-year-old weaved past two defenders and curled a stunning shot into the far corner.
Yamal nearly added a second when he struck the crossbar, but Fermin López managed to give Barça a 2-1 lead shortly after with a powerful shot from outside the box.
Villarreal, however, refused to give in. Santi Comesaña lobbed Ter Stegen to bring the score to 2-2, and with just ten minutes left, Tajon Buchanan scored the match-winner to complete the comeback.
The defeat ended Barcelona’s unbeaten league run in 2025 and could be their last match at the Olympic Stadium before returning to the renovated Camp Nou next season. Nonetheless, their fans continued singing “champions” as the team lifted the league trophy post-match.
With this victory, Villarreal secured their place in next season’s Champions League. They moved out of reach from sixth-placed Real Betis, who suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid. Julian Alvarez was instrumental in that match, scoring twice and assisting once for Diego Simeone’s team, who are set to finish third.
Meanwhile, in other La Liga action, Kylian Mbappe found the net again for Real Madrid in a 2-0 win over nine-man Sevilla. Mbappe now has 29 goals this season. Jude Bellingham added the second late in the match. Sevilla played most of the game a man down after Loic Badé was sent off early for fouling Mbappe. Isaac Romero also received a red card shortly after halftime.
At the bottom of the table, Leganés kept their survival hopes alive with a 1-0 win over already-relegated Las Palmas. Dani Raba scored the decisive goal early on. Leganés are just two points from safety and face Valladolid next.
Espanyol’s 2-0 loss to Osasuna leaves them just above the relegation zone. They must win next week against Las Palmas to ensure they remain in Spain’s top division.
