WATCH: Barcelona fall behind inside four minutes as Ayoze Perez scores

Barcelona have little to play for against Villarreal having already won the La Liga title, and that shows as they have fallen behind in the early stages at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Hansi Flick has named a strong side for the match despite earlier reports that significant changes would be made, but it has not mattered in the opening four minutes as Villarreal have taken the lead. The goal has come from Ayoze Perez, who continues his excellent recent form.

Ayoze Pérez strikes first! 🔥

Villarreal take the lead against Barcelona as their top scorer finds the net once again 🟡

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 @sbk | 18+ | 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦 pic.twitter.com/jLn6RcPqIn

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) May 18, 2025

🚨🇪🇸 GOAL | Barcelona 0-1 Villarreal | Ayoze Perez

AYOZE PEREZ OPENS THE SCORING FOR VILLARREAL!pic.twitter.com/lUh5OpzVlK

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) May 18, 2025

It’s a wonderful team goal from Villarreal, which ends in Nicolas Pepe passing across to Ayoze to find the back of the net. It is a big moment for the Yellow Submarine, as they are now on course to confirm their place in next season’s Champions League.

Flick won’t be happy with his side’s start, and while it is a dead-rubber for Barcelona, he will be keen to win this one. But so far, they are on course for a defeat.