Villarreal host Barcelona at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday, December 21, in a pivotal La Liga clash that could dramatically influence the Spanish top flight. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:15 pm local time (15:15 GMT), with Al Jazeera Sport providing live build-up from 12:15 GMT ahead of our text commentary stream.

The Yellow Submarine have quietly emerged as serious contenders this season, threatening to disrupt the long-standing dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid. A win for Villarreal could solidify their position as dark horses in the title race.

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Villarreal’s La Liga Campaign

Under the guidance of Marcelino Garcia Toral, Villarreal sit third in the league table, eight points behind leaders Barcelona and four behind second-placed Real Madrid. With two games in hand, the team has the potential to move closer to the top.

Despite disappointing exits from the Champions League and a shock defeat in the Copa del Rey against second-tier Racing de Santander, Villarreal have been formidable in La Liga. The team is on a six-game winning streak, with only two league losses to Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Villarreal have made their home ground a fortress, conceding just four goals in eight league matches at the Estadio de la Cerámica and remaining unbeaten in seven of those encounters.

Key players: Left winger Alberto Moleiro leads the team with six league goals, supported by Tajon Buchanan with five, while midfielder Santi Comesana anchors a strong midfield.

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Barcelona’s La Liga Form

Barcelona arrive at Villarreal with the league’s most prolific attack, having scored 49 goals in 17 matches—15 more than nearest challengers Real Madrid. Their potent offense has often compensated for a defense that has shown occasional vulnerability.

Last week, Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford secured a 2-0 Copa del Rey win against third-tier Guadalajara. In La Liga, Raphinha scored twice in a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Osasuna.

Challenges: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is adjusting the defense after the departure of Inigo Martínez and injuries to key players. Gerard Martin has stepped into the left-side center-back role, which could be tested against Villarreal’s dynamic attack.

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Key Fixtures and Historical Context

• Last meeting at Villarreal: Villarreal won 3-2 in May, despite Barcelona already having clinched the league title. Ayoze Perez opened the scoring, but Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez initially turned the game for Barcelona before Comesana and Buchanan secured the victory for Villarreal.
• Corresponding fixture last season: Barcelona crushed Villarreal 5-1 at the Estadio de la Cerámica, with Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha both scoring braces.
• Head-to-head: In 55 meetings, Barcelona have 33 wins and Villarreal 11. Villarreal have won their last two away matches at Barcelona, while Barcelona have won their last two visits to La Ceramica.

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Team News

Villarreal:

• Returns: Gerard Moreno, Dani Parejo
• Absentees: Pape Gueye, Ilias Akhomach (AFCON), Pau Cabanes (injury)
• Fitness doubts: Thomas Partey, Willy Kambwala, Santiago Mourino

Predicted lineup:
Luiz Junior; Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Parejo, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze

Barcelona:

• Injuries: Dani Olmo, Gavi, Pedri (calf strain)
• Personal reasons: Ronald Araujo
• Fitness doubts: Pedri

Predicted lineup:
Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Torres

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Match Outlook

This clash pits Villarreal’s strong defense against Barcelona’s attacking firepower, making it a classic La Liga tactical battle. A victory for Villarreal could propel them into title contention, while Barcelona will seek to maintain their lead and end 2025 on a high note.