Barcelona close out 2025 facing one of the trickiest games on the calendar. The trip to Estadio de la Cerámica is not just another La Liga round, but a direct clash with the team that makes the most of its chances in the competition and that, with two games in hand, could turn the table into a far less comfortable place for the leader. Barça arrive with 43 points from 17 matches, while Villarreal have 35 from just 15. A home win would cut the gap to five points, with room to apply pressure as the year turns.
Villarreal efficiency and a reality check
Marcelino García Toral’s Villarreal are not sitting in third place by accident. They have 11 wins in 15 matches and a 15.6 percent conversion rate, the best in the league. This is a team that doesn’t need to dominate possession or pile up shots to be dangerous. When they get there, they usually finish. With 31 goals scored, the Yellow Submarine are enjoying their best attacking output at this stage of the campaign.
Playing at home only strengthens that confidence, even if the history against Barcelona is unforgiving. In 29 recent La Liga meetings, Villarreal have won just once. At La Cerámica, the numbers are even harsher. Barça are unbeaten in their last 16 visits and have won the last six in a row at the stadium. Still, that record matters more outside the pitch than on it. This version of Villarreal has enough personality not to step onto the field feeling beaten.
Squad issues do exist. Partey, Mouriño, Cabanes and Logan Costa remain sidelined, while Akhomach and Pape Gueye are away with their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Barcelona with a historic run and a patched-up lineup
Barcelona arrive in strong form. They’ve won seven straight La Liga games, all by at least two goals. The team is also in the middle of its longest recent scoring streak in the league, now at 37 consecutive matches finding the net. Those numbers put Barça in a place of high confidence and help explain why they’ve held onto the lead with authority.
But it’s not a perfect picture. Hansi Flick has key absences to manage. Pedri is out after failing to train due to a calf issue. Gavi remains unavailable, Ronald Araújo is missing for personal reasons, and Dani Olmo is also sidelined. The midfield is expected to feature Eric Garcia alongside Frenkie de Jong.
That changes how Barcelona control the game, especially away from home. They’re still favorites, but far less comfortable. The winning streak helps, as does the history. Barça are unbeaten in their last 17 away matches against teams from the Valencian Community and have won the last three under Flick. Even so, facing the most efficient team in the league under these circumstances demands full attention.