KATHMANDU: Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over a ten-man Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica, reclaiming a four-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal sealed the win for Hans-Dieter Flick’s side, who dominated from the outset.

The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute when Raphinha converted a penalty after Santi Comesaña fouled himself. Raphinha came close to doubling the advantage later, but his effort struck the crossbar.

Villarreal appeared to level the score before halftime, but Jules Koundé’s own goal was ruled out for offside.

The first half ended dramatically when Renato Veiga received a straight red card for a dangerous two-footed tackle on Yamal, reducing the home side to ten men.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 63rd minute. Substitute Lamine Yamal capitalized on a rebound after Robert Lewandowski’s shot was saved to slot home comfortably.

In injury time, Barcelona came close to a third goal, but Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Cardona cleared Marcus Rashford’s attempt off the line.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid defeated Girona 3-0, Elche overcame Rayo Vallecano, and Real Betis thrashed Getafe 4-0.