Barcelona manager Xavi has criticized his team’s defending in Sunday’s 4-3 at the Estadio De La Ceramica against hosts Villarreal. The defending champions scored two goals in three first-half minutes as Gavi and Frenkie De Jong scored in the 12th and 15th minutes.

It wouldn’t have been far-fetched to expect Barcelona to roll over the hosts, but goals from Juan Foyth in the 25th minute and Alex Sorloth five minutes before the break brought the game back to level.

Alex Baena put the Yellow Submarines in front with just five minutes into the second half, and it wasn’t surprising that Xavi showed his displeasure towards the performance of his defenders after the game.

“It was a very good match in general. We should have scored two or three more goals. We were bad in defense. After the 0-2, we conceded a lot of chances. Our mistakes cost us. After the 3-2, we started playing good football. The result in the end was fair; we deserved more goals. I told Sergi Roberto that what hurt us was the passes they were making in his behind.” Xavi said.

Indeed, the Blaugrana got their way back into the game as substitute Ferran Torres and Polish striker Robert Lewandowski got the winning goals for the defending champions.

It’s their second win of the campaign after an opening draw at Getafe. Barcelona will remain on the road to Osasuna next week before a return to the Estadio Olympico for a home clash with Real Betis.

In other games, Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 on Friday as Real Sociedad and Las Palmas drew goalless, Cadiz and Almeria drew 1-1, while Grenada beat Mallorca 3-2, and Girona beat Sevilla 2-1.

Osasuna got the better of Valencia 2-1, and Athletic Club were 4-2 winners over Betis. Monday’s fixtures will see Atletico Madrid travel to Rayo Vallecano and Getafe hosting Alaves.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu