Having won 3-2 at Montjuïc in May, Villarreal are targeting back-to-back victories over Barcelona for the first time since 2007. Barça though have won each of their last six visits to Estadio de la Cerámica, unbeaten in 18 outings there overall, winning 13.
The last four encounters between these two clubs have produced a whopping 26 goals, meaning one is scored every 14 minutes.
Villarreal vs Barcelona preview
Two of La Liga's top three go head-to-head in a clash that is not to be missed on Sunday afternoon. Barcelona start the weekend top, having won seven matches on the spin since defeat in October's Clásico at the Bernabéu. Last weekend, Raphinha's second half brace was enough to see Barça defeat Osasuna 2-0 at Camp Nou. Since then, Hansi Flick's side were made to work hard, but did enough to oust third-tier Guadalajara from the Copa del Rey on Tuesday; Andreas Christensen and Marcus Rashford on target late on during a 2-0 victory.
Now, this will be Barcelona's final fixture before the winter break, returning with a Catalan derby against Espanyol on 3 January. We already know that the champions will be Spain's Christmas number one, but will they clear this potentially very tricky challenge on Sunday?
Villarreal meantime came second in 2007/08, their highest-ever finish in the Primera División, and have to be considered genuine challengers to the top two once again. El Submarino Amarillo have won six on the spin in La Liga, albeit their clash with local rivals Levante last weekend did not go ahead due to heavy rain in the Valencian region.
The Yellow Submarine's bizarre form continued in mid-week, dumped out of the Copa del Rey by fallen giants Racing de Santander on Wednesday. Meantime, in the Champions League, they are already eliminated, having accumulated just one point from six fixture. Back in La Liga, in contrast, Marcelino's team have only been beaten by Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, both in the capital, so sit third, eight points behind the leaders, but with two matches in hand. Thus, with no other distractions, Villarreal have to be considered genuine title contenders, especially if they can win this one.
Villarreal vs Barcelona head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 56.
- Villarreal Wins: 12. Draws: 10. Barcelona Wins: 34.
Villarreal team news
Marcelino's squad is massively depleted ahead of this crucial clash. Ilias Akhomach and Pape Gueye have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, Sergi Cardona, Thomas Partey and Gerard Moreno are all sidelined.
Short of defensive options, Renato Veiga is likely to partner Rafa Marín, with captain Alfonso Pedraza at left-back. Out-wide, Tajon Buchanan could get the nod over Nicolas Pépé, while Tani Oluwaseyi and Ayoze Pérez are vying for one starting spot in attack.
Villarreal predicted lineup vs Barcelona: (4-4-2): Luiz Júnior; Navarro, Marín, Veiga, Pedraza; Parejo, Comesaña, Buchanan, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Oluwaseyi.
Villarreal player to watch vs Barcelona
Georges Mikautadze is likely to be Villarreal's main goal threat, having scored five times since arriving from Lyon in the summer, three of which have come at Estadio de la Cerámica.
Barcelona team news
Hansi Flick is without Ronald Araújo, Gavi and Dani Olmo, but that is a much shorter absentee list than usual. Surprisingly, Marc-André ter Stegen made his first start of the season against Guadalajara on Tuesday, but Joan García is the usual first-choice goalkeeper.
Out-field, Flick did make seven changes in the Copa del Rey, likely to largely revert to last weekend's lineup, which could see Ferran Torres chosen over Robert Lewandowski in attack.
Barcelona predicted lineup vs Villarreal: (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, García, Balde; de Jong, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Torrest.
Barcelona player to watch vs Villarreal
Lamine Yamal is the star member of Barça's fabulous front four, scoring eight times already this season, now seeking to net in back-to-back meetings with Villarreal.
Villarreal vs Barcelona prediction
This clash at Estadio de la Cerámica guarantees goals, but we are backing Barcelona to be simply too strong for a depleted Villarreal team on Sunday afternoon: Villarreal 1-3 Barcelona.
Villarreal vs Barcelona FAQs - La Liga
How to watch Villarreal vs Barcelona in La Liga on TV channel?
Villarreal vs Barcelona in La Liga will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Premier Sports 1
- USA: ESPN Select
- Canada: TSN+
How to watch Villarreal vs Barcelona in La Liga on live streaming?
Villarreal vs Barcelona in La Liga will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Premier Sports Player
- USA: ESPN Select
- Canada: TSN+
What is the date and kick-off time for Villarreal vs Barcelona in La Liga?
Villarreal vs Barcelona takes place on Sunday 21 December 2025, with kick off at 15:15 (GMT), 10:15 (ET) & 7:15 (PT).