Barcelona welcomed Villarreal to Camp Nou for the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.
The hosts had the better of the first period and led at the break courtesy of Lionel Messi.
Villarreal were level through Manu Trigueros early in the second half, but Barca regained the lead less than two minutes later through Andres Iniesta.
Gerard Pique then made it 3-1 Barca after 65 minutes, but Neymar missed the chance to make it 4-1 from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We are not quite approaching the business end of the season, but this is the business end of the Copa del Rey. Tonight, the first legs of both semi-finals take place. Later on, Athletic Bilbao welcome Espanyol, but our immediate focus is on Barcelona against Villarreal. It should be a real cracker.
Without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Rafinha, Mascherano, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Ruiz, Costa; J.dos Santos, Pina, Bruno; Cheryshev, Vietto, Giovani
So there we have it. No Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets or Xavi in the Barcelona midfield this evening, with Andres Iniesta joined by Rafinha and Javier Mascherano, whose absence from the defence has opened up a place at centre-back for Jeremy Mathieu. The remainder of the team is as expected, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen starting in goal and Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar all selected in the final third.
Villarreal boss Marcelino, meanwhile, has selected arguably his strongest possible XI. Brothers Jonathan dos Santos and Giovani dos Santos both start against their former club, while leading scorer Luciano Vietto is also given a spot in the team. Bruno will be supported in midfield by Tomas Pina, meaning that Moi Gomez is only on the bench. Both managers have plumped for their big guns in this one.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Barcelona have won four of the last five matches, with the further clash ending in a 0-0 draw. These two teams met just 10 days ago in the league in this particular stadium and it was Barca that came out on top with a 3-2 win. It was a super match, with Villarreal causing a host of problems to the Catalan outfit. More of the same this evening please!
Barca will enter this match in fine form having won each of their last 10 games in all competitions. They lost to Real Sociedad in their first match after the winter break, but have since been faultless. At the weekend, they thumped Athletic Bilbao 5-2 in the league to move just one point off the top of the table. The Catalan outfit have their eye on a treble as we approach the final few months of the season.
In terms of the Copa del Rey, Barca beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate in the previous round to book their spot in the final four. They have also beaten Huesca and Elche in this season's competition and will fancy their chances of claiming the trophy for the 27th time in their illustrious history.
Villarreal, however, will have other ideas. The Yellow Submarine have never reached the final of the Copa del Rey, but earned their spot at this stage with wins over Cadiz, Real Sociedad and Getafe. Marcelino's side will also enter the match in excellent form having lost just one of their last 20 games in all competitions. However, as mentioned, that defeat came at Barca just 10 days ago.
Villarreal will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Granada in the league, with that result keeping them in sixth spot. They are just three points off the top four and have a Europa League last-32 clash with Salzburg to come. It is a very exciting time to be involved with the Yellow Submarine.
PREDICTION! I have a feeling that this could be a real cracker from the Camp Nou. Villarreal are a really super team, but they come up against a Barcelona side that are in such good form. I am expecting it to be very tight for long spells, but think that the hosts will just edge the first leg 2-1.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a strong atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening, with the second leg to come next week. Villarreal lost 3-2 in the league here earlier this month and would probably take that score once again. As expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes.
Neymar has the chance to break down the left for the home side after good work from Mascherano, but Mario is across to make the challenge. Barca continue to work the possession, however, which is expected to be the pattern for much of this match. Villarreal will need to be very disciplined here.
Incredibly, Villarreal have taken the lead in their last 21 matches - what a stat that is! They caused all sorts of problems on the counter last time out at the Camp Nou and will be looking to use that avenue once again. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes of action.
Half-chance for the home side as Messi chips a cross towards Neymar, but Asenjo is out to claim at the vital moment. There have been plenty of strong challenges in the early stages, but the referee has allowed the match to flow, which is a good sign. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
Suarez, Neymar and Messi combine in the final third for Barca, but the latter's cross is headed clear by Ruiz. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but once again Villarreal manage to clear.
Messi is again involved as he slides a super pass into Alves, who drives a low cross towards the near post, but Musacchio is on hand to clear. All the pressure is coming from the hosts, but once again Villarreal survive the pressure, with Messi forcing another corner with an effort from outside the box.
It has been a comfortable opening 13 minutes for Barcelona's defence, with Villarreal unable to threaten on the counter attack. Messi has a half-chance for the home side after good work from Suarez, but the Argentine's effort is straight at the goalkeeper. The home supporters enjoyed that combination.
Villarreal have the chance to break with Vietto, but the Argentine cuts inside before attempting to find Giovani and the attack loses its threat. Barca are down the other end moments later, but Alba and Suarez collide when attempting to meet a super cross from Messi. Half-chance, but no more than that.
CHANCE! First real chance for the home side as Alba drives down the left before clipping a cross into Suarez, but Costa just manages to rise above the striker and clear for a corner.
Possession football from the home side as they continue to pass and probe outside the box, but Villarreal are making it very difficult for Messi & Co. to find space in the final third off the field.
Mascherano appears to have a problem for Barca after taking a late challenge from Vietto.
Barca continue to dictate possession of the ball, but Villarreal have had a couple of moments on the counter. Cheryshev is felled by Mathieu, but the referee is not interested. Looked a foul for me!
Another half-chance for the home side as Messi delivers a super cross towards Suarez, but the striker cannot convert at the vital moment. Marcelino is urging Villarreal to push forward!
Messi tries the spectacular after meeting a cross from Alba, but his volley does not test Asenjo. That would have been some goal! Well, it is so far, so good for Villarreal with 26 minutes played.
Better from Villarreal in the last couple of minutes, but they have not yet threatened Ter Stegen in the Barcelona goal. That said, the hosts have had very few clear opportunities thus far. Messi finds some space outside the Villarreal box, but once again his effort is blocked by Ruiz.
CHANCE! Another chance for Messi as Iniesta sets up the Argentine on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide. Not happening for Messi in front of goal at the moment. For once!
Bruno appears to have a problem for the away side here and it looks as if Marcelino will have to make a change. Initial suggestions are that the Spaniard has picked up an Achilles problem.
Costa is off the field as Villarreal play on with 10 men.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Mathieu fires one into the back of the net following excellent work from Neymar, but the Frenchman was in an offside position. Correct call from the official there.
SUB! Villarreal are forced into the change as Bruno is replaced by Manu Trigueros.
Well, little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and in truth, Villarreal have been comfortable. Barcelona have had all of the ball, but done very little with it thus far. Just a reminder that the second leg of this semi-final will take place next week. Still goalless with 36 minutes on the clock here.
Pique loses possession in a dangerous area for the home side, but Villarreal cannot make the most of the counter and Barca have men behind the ball once again. It has been tough for the visitors thus far.
Villarreal have had more of the ball in the closing minutes of the first period, but they are still not really carrying a threat in the final third. Barca, meanwhile, have been a little untidy in possession.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Villarreal (Messi)
Barcelona take the lead with 41 minutes on the clock as Suarez takes the ball away from Musacchio before squaring for Messi, who finishes into the top corner. Super goal from the home side.
CHANCE! Suarez comes close to scoring a second for the home side as Messi sets up the striker inside the box, but his low effort is just wide of the post. Villarreal need to be really careful here as Barcelona continue to force the issue in the latter stages of the first period.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the home side as Iniesta fires a low cross towards the bottom corner, but Suarez cannot make contact. Barca are absolutely running riot here.
We are into the first of two added minutes and Suarez is on a mission to score in the first period.
CHANCE! Villarreal's best chance of the first period falls to Vietto as Cheryshev finds the Argentine with an excellent cross, but Ter Stegen is down to make a super save. Much better.
HALF-TIME: Barcelona 1-0 Villarreal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of an excellent strike from Messi in the latter stages of the half. In truth, there have not been too many clear chances, but Villarreal did start to threaten in the final moments of the first 45 minutes.
STATS! Barcelona have dominated the possession with 73%, while they have had nine attempts - two of which have been on target. Villarreal, meanwhile, have had just one attempt on target. Surprisingly, there has not been a single yellow card thus far despite some feisty challenges here.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a wealth of talent on their bench this evening, with the likes of Busquets, Pedro, Rakitic and Xavi all in reserve. Villarreal, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Gomez and Moreno. The visitors have already been forced into a substitution, however, with Trigeorus replacing the skipper Bruno, who picked up an Achilles injury in the first period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Villarreal score what could be a decisive away goal? It is the home side that get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either manager at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-0 Barca for the next 20 minutes or so. Game on.
It's good work from Vietto as the Villarreal forward drives into the Barcelona box before attempting to fire a cross towards Giovani, but Mascherano is on hand to make the block. The visitors have the chance to threaten from the resulting corner, but Suarez is on hand to turn behind for another corner.
GOAL! Barcelona 1-1 Villarreal (Trigueros)
Wow! Villarreal level with 48 minutes on the clock as Trigerous thumps one past Ter Stegen from outside the box. The Barca stopper had attempted to punch it clear, but it has gone through his hands!
GOAL! Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal (Iniesta)
Well, that did not take long! Barca regain the lead as Iniesta converts from inside the box after Suarez had initially been denied by a sliding challenge. I think I have seen this before somewhere!
SUB! Villarreal make their second change as Rukavina replaces Jonathan dos Santos.
Possession football from Barcelona following the goal, but there is no question that Villarreal are more willing to commit players forward. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals here.
Couple of half-chances for the home side following an excellent touch from Neymar, but the Brazilian fires his cross into the arms of the goalkeeper, before Suarez just overruns the ball moments later. Villarreal break down the other end with Giovani, but the Mexican cannot find a pass into Vietto.
Suarez tries his luck for the home side after excellent work from Alves, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Little over 30 minutes of this first leg remaining at the Camp Nou.
Still no movement on the home side's bench, but we are entering the stage of the match where Luis Enrique will be considering a change. As it stands, neither side will be too disappointed with this result. Just a reminder that the second leg of this Copa del Rey semi-final will take place next week.
There has still not been a single booking in this match, but we must be getting close as the challenges continue to pile up. Suarez wants a penalty after going down inside the box under pressure from Mario, but the referee is not interested. It is Barca in control of the possession with 62 minutes played.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, with Villarreal prepared to commit numbers in the final third. Rukavina has the chance to slide a pass towards Vietto, but Pique makes the block.
GOAL! Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal (Pique)
Barcelona score their third of the match as Pique heads a Messi corner into the back of the net. Barca just cannot stop scoring goals at the moment. They are hitting three and four for fun every game.
BOOKING! Pina (Villarreal) is booked for a late challenge on Iniesta.
SUB! Barca make their first change as Rakitic replaces Rafinha.
At 3-1, Barca might just about be in the final. Villarreal are strong at home, but you cannot see Barca not scoring in the second leg to be honest. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining here.
PENALTY BARCELONA!
BOOKINGS! Musacchio and Ruiz (Villarreal) are both booked as Barca are awarded a penalty. It is a little harsh on Musacchio, but the referee has awarded the hosts a spot kick here.
SAVE! Asenjo denies Neymar from the spot! Excellent save!
Barca continue to force, with the Catalan outfit desperate to score the fourth goal. Rakitic strikes one from outside the box, but Asenjo is on hand to make a super save. Busy few moments!
SUB! Villarreal make their third and final change as Gomez replaces Cheryshev.
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining at the Camp Nou and the home side are really turning the screw. Messi delivers from a free kick, but there are no takers at the far post. Villarreal surely need a goal if they are to make this a contest in the second leg. Still 3-1 Barca at the Camp Nou.
Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home side continue to dominate possession of the ball. In truth, Barca have been far too strong for Villarreal this evening.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the away side as Giovani meets a corner from the right, but the Mexican heads wide under little pressure. Not sure about the goalkeeping there!
CHANCE! Another super chance for the away side as Vietto sets up Gomez just inside the Barca box, but Mathieu is on hand to make an excellent block. Super defending there!
Just a reminder that following this match we have live commentary of Bilbao against Espanyol in the second semi-final, so be sure to remain with me for that! Still 3-1 Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
Half-chance for the away side as Giovani meets a cross from Vietto, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Barca are down the other end with Suarez, but the danger is cleared.
BOOKING! Suarez (Barca) is booked for clashing with Mario.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, while Villarreal might be forced to finish this match with 10 men as Mario limps off the field after colliding with Musacchio.
Mario has returned to the field, but he can hardly move!
We are into the first of four additional minutes here.
CLOSE! Suarez comes close to scoring a spectacular goal for the home side after spotting Asenjo off his line, but his effort is just wide of the post. That would have been very special.
FULL-TIME: Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal
So there we have it. Barca record a 3-1 win in the first leg of this Copa del Rey semi-final against Villarreal. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
