Barcelona vs Villarreal Highlights: EPL Highlights

Lionel Messi struck a brace as Barcelona overcame a controversial decision to beat Villarreal 3-1 at the Nou Camp and move provisionally above fierce rivals Real Madrid who play Sporting Gijon on Sunday – at the top of the Primera Division table after 11 matches. David Villa gave the Catalans the lead after 22 minutes and Pedro thought he had made it two shortly afterwards, but saw his effort ruled out by what looked to be an error.

Nilmar then levelled for Villarreal as the Nou Camp continued to jeer the officials. But as he has done so often in the past, Messi came to the rescue with a brilliant goal after 59 minutes and the Argentinian wrapped up the points with a contentious second late on.

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Villarreal vs Real Madrid Highlights

Two-time reigning champions Real Madrid handed their Primera Division crown to arch rivals Barcelona after slumping to a 3-2 defeat at Villarreal.

Lying eight points behind table toppers Barca with three games remaining, Madrid needed to win at El Madrigal to keep the title race alive – at least until Pep Guardiola’s men met Real Mallorca tomorrow.

But goals from Robert Pires, Ruben Cani and Joan Capdevila cancelled out efforts from Madrid duo Rafael Van der Vaart and Gonzalo Higuain to give Villarreal a much-needed boost in their quest for a Champions League spot and hand Barca the title.

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Villareal vs Arsenal Highlights: UEFA Champions League Highlights

Emmanuel Adebayor netted a vital away goal as Arsenal came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at El Madrigal.

The Togo striker made it three goals in two games, and five in this European campaign, with a stunning bicycle-kick after 66 minutes to cancel out an equally impressive opener from home captain Marcos Senna.

However, Arsene Wenger’s side lost both goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre-back William Gallas to injury during the first half, but rallied to secure what could prove to be a decisive result to defend at Emirates Stadium in the return leg.

The last time Arsenal played at this intimidating Spanish ground was three seasons ago when a dramatic late penalty save from Jens Lehmann guided them through to the European Cup final.

While that campaign ultimately ended in defeat to Barcelona, there is growing belief that 2009 could just prove the coming of age for Wenger’s young Gunners.

Villarreal have never lost at home in the Champions League and kept holders Manchester United to a goalless draw earlier this season, they were in no mood to lose that record against Arsenal.

Villarreal took the lead in stunning fashion through skipper Senna
was fed the ball in the right, the Spain international took aim and fired a wonderful 25-yard strike past Almunia into the top corner, setting El Madrigal alight.

First half was completely dominated by Villareal, but they could not double the lead. Arsenal forced some corners, they also had a free-kick awarded which was taken quickly by Fabregas, only to be denied by the referee and the Arsenal captain was handed a yellow card. The first half ended at 1-0.

Second half saw a much improved Arsernal, with some slick passing. Then in the 66 minute Adebayor scored a stunner when Fabregas lofted a high ball into penalty area, inspite of being surrounded by three defenders Adebayor collected the ball on chest before dispatching a brilliant bicycle-kick into the far corner.

It was a perfect reward for Arsenal’s endeavours and inspired the visitors to even greater domination that saw Adebayor, Walcott and Nasri all have further good chances.

Villarreal had a late flourish that restored some pride, but they never looked like scoring the winner.

Arsenal closed out a draw that, in the context of their poor start, was a fantastic result, while Villarreal will travel to the Emirates Stadium having conceded what could well prove to be a vital away goal.

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Villareal vs Arsenal Preview video

The two Europeans giants locked horns in Europe’s most prestigious competition back in 2006 at the semi-final stage, with Arsenal progressing 1-0 on aggregate Jens Lehmann was the hero that night as he saved the last minute penalty taken by Juan Román Riquelme. That was the last time both these teams had moved to the semi-final’s. Arsenal are touted as the favorites on paper.

Arsenal will be welcoming long awaited starlets Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor and Wallcott. All of them had a crucial role to play in a match won 2-0 comfortably by Arsenal.

Robin van Persie (Groin injury) will be joining Edurado, Diaby and Rosicky in the injured list for Arsenal. Whereas, Villareal will be without winger Santi Cazorla who was strechered off in 3-0 defeat against Almeria. However, they will have Senna and Cani after knoking off injuries, Ibagaza will also strart after serving suspension. The attacking options will be Rossi and Nihat who will create lot of problem’s for Arsenal’s defense.

Villareal have not been consistent this season and face Arsenal when they have lost two of their last three games, but their form at El Madrigal has been good atleast in the Champions League. They can also take heart from the fact that they are yet to lose a singlle game at home in European competition. Arsenal will be hoping to break that record. Villareal will also be eyeing revenge with to ex-gunner’s Robert pires and Cygan.

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