Barcelona's Raphinha, Yamal strike in Villarreal win

Vila real, Spain: Barcelona wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal guided the Catalan giants four points clear at the top of La Liga with a 2 0 win at 10 m...

Vila-real, Spain: Barcelona wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal guided the Catalan giants four points clear at the top of La Liga with a 2-0 win at 10-man Villarreal on Sunday.

Brazil international Raphinha won and converted an early penalty before Villarreal's Renato Veiga was sent off before half-time for a late lunge on teenager Yamal.

The 18-year-old slotted home Barca's second midway through the second half, as Hansi Flick's side restored their advantage on Real Madrid, second, and won an eighth consecutive league game.

Villarreal are fourth after Atletico Madrid moved ahead of them with a 3-0 win at Girona earlier on.

"We're happy because we finish the year as leaders, which was our objective, and now we can rest," Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong told DAZN.