Barcelona Tops La Liga After Win Over Villarreal; Atlético Madrid Extends Winning Streak
Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in La Liga, with Raphinha scoring a penalty and Lamine Yamal netting the second goal at 63 minutes. The penalty was awarded after Santi Comesana blocked Raphinha with his back during a break-through moment. Villarreal's Renato Veiga was sent off with a straight red card six minutes before half-time for a late challenge on Lamine Yamal. Despite the setback, Yamal returned after treatment and capitalized on a rebound to score Barcelona's second goal. Villarreal's Georges Mikautadze had several late chances but was denied twice by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with a third attempt missing the target. Barcelona enters the new year leading La Liga.
Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid continued their strong form with a 3-0 win against Girona. Goals from Koke and Conor Gallagher in the first half were followed by an added-time strike from Antoine Griezmann, marking Atlético's fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.
