- Date and Time: Sunday, May 18, 2025, 19:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona, Spain
| Odds via 22Bet | |
| Barcelona vs Villarreal | Sunday, May 18, 2025, 19:00 GMT+1 |
| Barcelona | 1.825 |
| Villarreal odds | 3.76 |
| Draw | 4.16 |
| Over\Under | Total 2.5: 1.34/3.05 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 122 $/€ |
Barcelona vs Villarreal Preview and Team News
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona secured their La Liga trophy after a 2-0 victory in the Catalan Derby against Espanyol. Lamine Yamal and Fermín López scored for Hansi Flick’s side.
The first half was marked by a slow build-up as team starters lacked rest, but individual brilliance was enough to claim the three points. This (almost) concludes Barcelona’s season. They’ve completed a domestic treble in Hansi Flick’s first season. Despite the success, their head coach insisted they “should do better” next term.
🏆 LA LIGA CHAMPIONS! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/H0L5d4wiAm
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 15, 2025
Similarly to Barcelona’s last La Liga victory, Espanyol fans spoiled their party by using sprinklers, claiming that celebrating the title on their pitch was “disrespectful”. Fermín López argued against it, saying that “celebrating is not disrespectful to anyone”.
There was a similar situation when Barça secured their league title under Xavi. Their players were forced to leave the pitch due to invasions from the fans.
The icing on the cake. 🧁#EspanyolBarça | #LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/qR9Hgix6SV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 16, 2025
Barcelona were almost already sure of winning the trophy after the 4-3 Clásico victory, marked by goals from Eric García, Yamal and Raphinha.
Daniel Rodriguez, Ferrán Torres, Jules Koundé, Marc Bernal and Ronald Araújo will be out due to various injuries.
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Villarreal
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Balde, Christensen, Cubarsí, Fort; Gavi, F. de Jong; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Lewandowski.
| Key Player to Watch | Lamine Yamal |
| Team Strengths | Intense pressure going forward thanks to a highline, defined tactical identity, and mentally resilient to come back from any score. |
| Team Weaknesses | Lack of rotations leading to injuries, risky offside trap, lack of wide outlets, overdependence on Lamine Yamal |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Daniel Rodriguez, Ferrán Torres, Jules Koundé, Marc Bernal and Ronald Araújo |
Villarreal News
Villarreal sit 5th in La Liga, with the main objective of making it to the Champions League. They are one of the most in-form teams, winning all their last four matches, though those have been against lower-ranked opposition (Osasuna, Espanyol, Girona, and Leganés).
They are five points ahead of Real Betis. A victory against Sevilla next week would be sufficient to secure CL qualification.
Villarreal defeated Leganés (3-0). They dominated possession and forced their rivals into a deep block, which allowed the squad to continue creating opportunities in the final third. Though Marcelino’s men played well as a team, it was Ayoze Pérez who gave them the lead, registering a brace. This marked his 18th goal of the season, making him one of the most productive forwards in the league.
The top Spanish scorer in @LaLigaEN #VillarrealLeganés | #LaLigaHighlights
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) May 16, 2025
One of the big innovations of the match had been the role of Alejandro Baena. He usually plays as a wide midfielder, tucking in more often than not, but Marcelino deployed him as a mediapunta instead. This involved the Villarreal star more, allowing him to create more chances for his teammates.
Ilias Akhomach will be sidelined with an injury. Kiko, Raúl Albiol, and Thierno Barry are awaiting medical clearance.
Villarreal predicted line-up vs Barcelona
Villarreal predicted line-up vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Junior; Pedraza, Costa, Foyth, Navarro; Parejo, Gueye; Pino, Baena, Pépé; Pérez.
| Key Player to Watch | Ayoze Pérez |
| Team Strengths | Strong counter-attacking identity, quality forwards, strong playmaker ensuring creation of chances, relatively solid backline |
| Team Weaknesses | Lack of quality in the full-backs, full-quality players in wide zones |
| Key injuries and suspensions. | Ilias Akhomach, Thierno Barry (doubtful), Kiko (doubtful), Raúl Albiol (doubtful) |
Barcelona vs Villarreal Head-to-Head Statistics
In 45 encounters, Barcelona won 29 matches while Villarreal claimed seven. The two teams drew 9 times.
Their last meeting dates back to September 2024, at the beginning of the season. It ended in a 5-1 thrashing in Barcelona’s favour. Raphinha and Lewandowski registered a brace while Torre scored a goal as well. Ayoze Pérez netted the only goal for Villarreal.
Matches between these clubs are usually entertaining, and often end in goal thrillers. The guests last defeated Barcelona a year ago, in January 2024 (5-3). This marked the most goals between the two teams, which included an own goal from Bailly. It also included goals from Akhomach, Gündogan, Pedri, Sorloth, Guedes, and Morales.
Barcelona vs Villarreal Player Focus
Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly be the focus for Villarreal when it comes to players to watch out for, as has been the case for every side in La Liga. Since Foyth has become more of a centre-back in recent times, Lamine could benefit from a weaker opposition on his end.
Yamal’s dribbling, confidence and shooting power make him one of the best forwards in the league, or at least the trickiest to defend against. He’s not afraid of challenging stronger defenders, and his agility and energy often see him triumph.
WE ARE The LA LIGA CHAMPIONS 🏆🔥
Ballon d’or⏳ pic.twitter.com/pm6VmlsVYb
— Lamine Yamal🇪🇸 (@LamineYamalWrld) May 15, 2025
As for Barcelona, the main worry will be how to stop Alejandro Baena. Whether deployed centrally or in his wide role, Villarreal’s playmaker helps the side sneak in the few spaces left in the defence. Barça are not known for being a particularly compact team either. Any misdoing by the forwards could see a chance for Baena to punish them on the counter.
Barcelona vs Villarreal Analysis
Although Barcelona have already wrapped up the title, Villarreal are still going to have to find a solution to their high-line, which has been the main feature of Barça’s La Liga conquest. The visitors lack pace on the wings, which may be an issue when defending against Raphinha and Yamal.
On the other hand, the hosts’ chas suffered in recent weeks, which may see an ideal opportunity for Villarreal to deploy its counter-attacks. The battle will be decided at the heart of the pitch, with the Parejo-Baena-Pino triangle threatening to punish any misdoing. Barcelona will look to break through their individual quality and high pressure.
Barcelona vs Villarreal Prediction
- Prediction: Barcelona to win
- Odds: 1.825 (22Bet)
- Score Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal
It’s unknown whether Barcelona are going to rotate the squad, given that it doesn’t matter to them if they win or draw. However, with Flick’s perfectionism, it’s unlikely we’ll see a fully rotated side. A mix is anticipated, especially in their backline.
Villarreal have often caused trouble when counter-attacking, especially since they need to avoid dropping points for a Champions League qualification. However, their results have been disappointing in Barcelona, whether at the Camp Nou or Montjuic.
Barcelona vs Villarreal Betting Tip
- Pick: Dani Olmo to score
- Odds: 3.7 (22Bet)
Fermin López has been key recently, but Dani Olmo remains an asset in counterattacks. Barcelona have noticeably accelerated their tempo when he’s been in charge as the mediapunta. The squad’s high-line will be ideal for him against a slower-paced team, especially Parejo who is struggling to defend at high tempo.
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