Barcelona brought Aston Villa’s perfect start to the Champions League to an end with a thrilling victory at the Spotify Nou Camp.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring before Raphinha struck twice as the five-time European champions moved above Villa into second place in the league phase table. The visitors created enough opportunities to make the result far less comfortable, but were ultimately punished for failing to take their chances.
Barcelona were gifted the lead after seven minutes when Joao Gomes sent a hurried pass across his own penalty area. Lamine Yamal intercepted the mistake and curled the ball into the net for his 13th goal in 15 games.
Villa responded positively and refused to retreat, helping produce an open contest in which they repeatedly threatened to level. Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof both saw efforts deflected wide, while Johan Manzambi scuffed an attempt off target before forcing a save from Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The Premier League side were attempting to take advantage of Barcelona’s run of 18 Champions League matches without a clean sheet. However, their missed opportunities proved costly seven minutes into the second half.
Raphinha’s low effort took a decisive touch off Pau Torres, changing direction and wrong-footing Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to double Barcelona’s advantage.
The former Leeds United forward completed his brace in the 64th minute, finishing from close range after Joao Cancelo produced excellent work on the left before delivering a superb pass.
Villa continued to search for a way back into the game, and Suzuki prevented Barcelona from adding a fourth by denying Anthony Gordon.
Leon Goretzka went close to giving Villa consolation when his header clipped the post, but Barcelona held on to record their first European clean sheet since April 2025.
The result leaves Villa reflecting on a match in which they had several chances to alter the outcome. Their attacking intent made for an engrossing encounter, but Barcelona’s greater efficiency in front of goal secured a victory that ended the visitors’ flawless Champions League beginning.