Marcelino calls Villarreal defeat ‘undeserved’ but praises the efficiency of Barcelona in 2-0 loss | OneFootball

FC Barcelona closed out the calendar year with a statement victory away from home, overcoming Villarreal CF 0-2 at La Cerámica in a high-level clash that carried major importance in the La Liga title race.

The win further strengthened Barcelona’s position at the top of the table, where they now lead with 46 points from 18 matches. Real Madrid follow with 42 points from 18 games, Atlético Madrid sit third on 37 points after the same number of matches, while Villarreal are fourth with 35 points from 16 games, retaining two games in hand on the top three.

With Real Madrid keeping the pressure on at the top of the table, La Blaugrana arrived knowing there was little margin for error. Goals from Raphinha from the penalty spot and Lamine Yamal ensured all three points for Hansi Flick’s side, confirming Barça as winter champions and handing Villarreal their first home league defeat of the season.

Villarreal, despite the defeat, remain well-positioned in the standings and once again showed why they are considered one of the most competitive sides in the league.

After the final whistle, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media and addressed several key aspects of the game, offering a firm defence of his team’s performance while expressing frustration with decisive refereeing calls.

Marcelino began by sharing his overall view of the match, insisting that Villarreal had been superior for long spells and created the clearer chances, even if they failed to convert them. Emphasising the discomfort his side caused the league leaders, he said:

“I think we can all agree. We saw a great Villarreal, enormous. We had the chances, but we didn’t take them. They had possession, but not chances. They were very uncomfortable. Our chances were clearer.”

Continuing that line of argument, the Villarreal coach singled out Barcelona’s goalkeeper as a decisive factor in the final scoreline, suggesting that individual brilliance played a key role in preserving Barça’s lead. In that context, Marcelino stated:

“I think Barça’s standout player today was the goalkeeper.”

The discussion then turned to the red card shown to Renato Veiga for a challenge on Lamine Yamal just before half-time. Marcelino acknowledged that the decision could be justified but questioned the consistency of refereeing standards across matches. Reflecting on the incident, he explained:

“It’s a shame about the red card; it may be fair, I’m not saying it isn’t, but yesterday—Saturday—I saw more dangerous tackles than this that were punished with a yellow. We have to avoid that kind of action; it was unnecessary and intense. Some referees call things one way and others another; we have to respect it.”

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Marcelino also focused on the penalty awarded to Barcelona after a foul on Raphinha, which he felt was a decisive moment in the match. Arguing that the call, combined with the numerical disadvantage, swung the balance of the game, he said:

“They took advantage of a little penalty and that numerical superiority. It’s a shame. I’m much more proud than sad because the final result was undeserved. In the first half, there was a ‘little penalty’ that was given, and in the second another that wasn’t.”

Despite playing much of the match with 10 men, Marcelino was keen to praise his team’s mentality and competitive spirit. Highlighting their refusal to collapse against the league leaders, he said:

“We’re at that point in the season where the opponent doesn’t create much but hurts you. We can’t stop believing. The team hadn’t lost its football or competitiveness. I can only congratulate my players. Even with 10, we competed and created chances. What more can I ask?”

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

From a tactical standpoint, the Villarreal coach explained how his side adjusted after going behind and being reduced to 10 players, particularly against a Barcelona team comfortable in possession. Detailing the approach, he noted:

“Against Barcelona, trailing on the scoreboard, you’re forced to defend in a low block. We did it very well,” he detailed. “We had two pivots and the option of Moleiro to play with depth. We defended very well.”

Marcelino also reflected on Villarreal’s strong start to the match, expressing regret that they did not capitalise when they had 11 players on the pitch. Looking back at that opening phase, he admitted:

“It’s a shame because in the first quarter of an hour, and even after, the fair thing is that we should have been ahead. But that’s football.”

Turning to individual performances, Marcelino praised Alberto Moleiro’s development and consistency since joining the club. Highlighting his mentality and work ethic, he said:

“Performance is the result of work. Now he’s more consistent, and that’s improved him. He’s very self-critical, wants perfection, and has tremendous will. It’s been a great signing for Villarreal.”

Finally, Marcelino explained his decision not to introduce Gerard Moreno, pointing to the context of the game after the red card and the team’s deep defensive positioning. Clarifying the situation, he stated:

“With a tight scoreline and eleven against eleven, he would definitely have come on. But we were too deep, and Gerard needs more of the ball and less distance to the opposition goal to show his qualities.”

From Barcelona’s perspective, the victory at La Cerámica further underlined the team’s growing authority in the title race. Winning away against a Villarreal side that remains firmly in contention and still has games in hand is the type of result that often defines title-winning campaigns.

FC Barcelona showed composure under pressure, relied on decisive individual quality, and managed key moments with maturity. With a four-point advantage over Real Madrid and momentum firmly on their side, Hansi Flick’s team heads into the second half of the season as the side to beat in La Liga.