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Raphinha double ends Villa’s perfect European run
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- Raphinha double ends Villa’s perfect European run
Raphinha double ends Villa's perfect European run
Barcelona returned to winning ways in the Champions League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Aston Villa , bringing the visitors' flawless start to the competition to an end.
The hosts needed just seven minutes to take the lead after a costly mistake from Joao Gomes allowed Lamine Yamal to intercept possession and curl a superb finish into the far corner.
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Villa responded positively and created several opportunities to restore parity. Matty Cash and Johan Manzambi both threatened, while Nicolas Jackson also went close, but Unai Emery 's men were unable to make their pressure count.
Their missed chances proved expensive as Barcelona doubled their advantage shortly after the interval. Raphinha 's strike from the edge of the area took a deflection off Pau Torres, leaving goalkeeper Zion Suzuki helpless.
The Brazilian struck again in the 64th minute, finishing from close range after an excellent run and outside-of-the-boot pass from Joao Cancelo .
Villa continued searching for a consolation, with Leon Goretzka heading against the post, but Barcelona remained comfortable throughout the closing stages.
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The result ended Villa's six-game winning streak in European league phases, while the Catalan giants celebrated their first Champions League clean sheet in 19 matches.
Incidents: The story of the match
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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Barcelona Official Line-ups:
Joan Garcia, João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Brian Fariñas, Rodri , Fermín López, Pedri González, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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Aston Villa Official Line-ups:
Zion Suzuki, Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Boubacar Kamara, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn, João Gomes, Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson
1':
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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The match begins
Barcelona leads Aston Villa 1-0. Lamine Yamal scores for Barcelona with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner.
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7':
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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GOAL Barcelona: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) scores!
Lamine Yamal scores goal number 3 in the competition (4 matches) Lamine Yamal scores goal number 63 for his team (167 matches)
Barcelona leads 2-0 against Aston Villa. Raphinha scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner, assisted by Fermín López.
52':
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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GOAL Barcelona: Raphinha (Barcelona) scores!
Raphinha scores goal number 3 in the competition (3 matches) Raphinha scores goal number 95 for his team (191 matches)
Barcelona lead Aston Villa 3-0. Raphinha scores for Barcelona with a left-footed shot from very close range into the bottom left corner, assisted by João Cancelo.
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64':
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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GOAL Barcelona: Raphinha (Barcelona) scores!
Raphinha scores goal number 4 in the competition (3 matches) Raphinha scores goal number 95 for his team (191 matches)
998':
Merino nets brace as Spain come from behind to beat Croatia
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The referee whistles for the end of the match
