Yamal, Raphinha end Aston Villa’s perfect Champions League run

Barcelona ended Aston Villa’s unbeaten start to the Champions League league phase with a 3-0 win at the Spotify Nou Camp.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring before Raphinha struck twice to secure the win for the five-time European champions, who moved above Villa into second place in the league phase standings.

Villa arrived with a perfect record but struggled to convert their first-half opportunities, allowing Barcelona to take control after the break.

Yamal punishes Villa defensive error

Barcelona needed just seven minutes to take the lead after Joao Gomes misplaced a pass across his own penalty area.

Yamal seized possession and curled a finish beyond goalkeeper Zion Suzuki for his 13th goal in 15 appearances this season.

Villa responded positively and created several opportunities to equalise. Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof both had efforts deflected behind, while Johan Manzambi missed one chance before testing Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

The visitors looked capable of troubling a Barcelona defence that had gone 18 Champions League matches without keeping a clean sheet.

However, their missed opportunities proved costly when Raphinha doubled Barcelona’s advantage seven minutes into the second half.

The Brazilian’s low effort took a deflection off Pau Torres, leaving Suzuki unable to prevent the ball from finding the net.

Raphinha completes Barcelona victory

Raphinha struck again in the 64th minute to put the result beyond Villa’s reach.

The former Leeds United forward finished from close range after Joao Cancelo produced an excellent run and pass from the left flank.

Suzuki later denied Anthony Gordon as Barcelona threatened to add a fourth goal.

Villa continued searching for a consolation, with Leon Goretzka sending a header against the post, but they could not find a way past Garcia.

The win also ended Barcelona’s wait for a Champions League clean sheet, their first in the competition since April 2025.