Barcelona 1 Villarreal 0: Eto'o fires home to give Barça spoils
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Villarreal warmed up for Wednesday's Champions' League semi-final first leg with Arsenal by fielding a virtual reserve team against their fellow semi-finalists Barcelona last night.
Without the Catalans' strength in depth, the Yellow Submarines could have faced a heavy defeat, yet a single Samuel Eto'o goal was the difference between the sides, with Barça looking certain to retain the title after moving 14 points clear at the top of the table with five games remaining.
Villarreal stars like Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Pablo Sorin, Alessio Tacchinardi and Diego Forlan were rested, while the regular goalkeeper Sebastian Viera, suspended for the visit to Arsenal, was replaced by Mario Barbosa. Marcos Senna, Javi Venta and the captain Quique Alvarez, all of whom are expected to start at Highbury, began on the bench.
Barça were without Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Thiago Motta, although the latter pair should start in Milan on Tuesday, with Messi returning to Argentina to complete treatment on a muscle injury.
Given Barça's formidable home form and their understrength opponents, it was no surprise that the Catalans took the lead, Eto'o netting his 24th league goal of the campaign when he turned a befuddled Pena before finding space between Barbosa and his near post in the 10th minute. The goal eased the coach Frank Rijkaard's concern after he witnessed Henrik Larsson limp off two minutes earlier clutching his thigh.
European distractions ensured a flat game. Villarreal's first 11 have been strong enough to propel them to Europe's final four, yet it has affected their league form and Manuel Pellegrini's team lie in eighth position, two points from a Uefa Cup berth.
Arzo did come close for the visitors, his overhead kick superbly saved by Victor Valdes in the 32nd minute, but Barça created the bulk of chances.
Deco drilled the ball just wide of the post on 47 minutes after clever skill in the area and a Maxi shot came close just after the hour, but Barcelona could not add to Eto'o's goal.
Barcelona: (4-3-3): Valdes; Van Bronkhorst, Puyol, Edmilson, Oleguer; Van Bommel (Belletti 84), Deco, Iniesta; Larsson (Esquerro 8 - Maxi 34), Giuly, Eto'o. Substitutes not used: Jorquera (gk), Marquez, Sylvinho, Gabri.
Villarreal: (4-4-2): Barbosa; Gonzalo (Q Alvarez 18), Arruabarrena, Josemi, Pena (off 90); Josico, Roger (Guayre 60), C Arzo, Cazoria (Hector Font 69); Jose Mari, Guille Franco. Substitutes not used: Lopez Vallejo (gk), Guayre, Javi Venta, Senna, Calleja, Q Alvarez.
Referee: Cesar Muniz Fernandez.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments