Barcelona brought Aston Villa’s unbeaten start to the Champions League to an end with a thrilling victory at the Spotify Nou Camp.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring after seven minutes before Raphinha struck twice in the second half to give the five-time European champions a 3-0 win.
The result moved Barcelona above Aston Villa and into second place in the league phase table, although the scoreline did not fully reflect the visitors’ contribution to an open and entertaining match.
Aston Villa created several opportunities to equalise after falling behind. Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof both saw efforts deflected behind, while Johan Manzambi sent one attempt narrowly wide before forcing a save from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The Premier League side had been handed the opening goal when Joao Gomes reacted nervously inside his own penalty area. His hurried pass across the box fell to Yamal, who curled the ball into the net for his 13th goal in 15 games.
Barcelona’s early advantage did not prompt Aston Villa to retreat. They continued to attack a home side that had failed to keep a clean sheet in its previous 18 Champions League matches, and came close to finding a way through on several occasions.
But the visitors were punished for those missed chances seven minutes after half-time. Raphinha’s low effort took a touch off Pau Torres, changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki wrong-footed as it found the net.
The former Leeds United forward completed his brace in the 64th minute, finishing from close range after an outstanding move down the left. Joao Cancelo supplied a superb pass to create the chance, allowing Raphinha to add Barcelona’s third.
Suzuki then prevented the home side from extending their lead by keeping out a strike from Anthony Gordon.
Aston Villa continued searching for some reward late on, with Leon Goretzka’s header glancing against the post as they pressed for a consolation goal.
Barcelona held on to secure their first European clean sheet since April 2025, while Aston Villa were left to reflect on the chances that might have changed the outcome after their promising first-half display.