Lionel Messi scored a terrific winner as Barcelona twice came from behind to beat Villarreal 3-2 in a highly enthralling clash at Camp Nou on Sunday night.
Villarreal, unbeaten in any competition since the start of November, were briefly on course for their first win over Barca in 12 attempts thanks to goals from Denis Cheryshev and Luciano Vietto, which sandwiched a Neymar equaliser.
However, the Blaugarana then struck twice in quick succession during a frantic start to the second half to record an eighth successive win in league and Cup. First, Rafinha drew the teams level before Messi curled home a superb 20-yard strike.
Villarreal pushed for an equaliser but Barca held firm to remain a point behind Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish Primera Division.
