Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2025-26 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 17
Villarreal v Barcelona
Estadio de la Ceramica
Villarreal, Spain
Sunday, 21 December 2025
Kick-off is at 17h15
Villarreal's impressive unbeaten run in La Liga will come under threat when they lock horns with table-topping Barcelona at La Ceramica on Sunday, December 21.
The Yellow Submarine have made their best-ever start to a a season, winning 11 of their opening 15 matches to emerge as potential title contenders.
Marcelino's side beat Getafe 2-0 on December 6 to make it six wins on the spin as they closed within one point of Real Madrid, but that gap now stands at four after last weekend's game against Levante was postponed due to bad weather.
The Castellon outfit could actually drop to fourth place by the time they face the Blaugrana if Atletico Madrid manage to claim maximum points against Girona in the early kick-off.
Suggested photo: Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal
This will be Barca's biggest test since suffering a 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Real Madrid on October 26, having given the perfect response to that setback.
Hansi Flick's side have gone on to win their next seven games, with a 2-0 success against Osasuna on December 13 keeping them four points clear at the league summit.
The Catalan giants are the league's top scorers (49 goals), while Villarreal have the meanest defence after conceding just 13 goals, so this will be a fascinating contest.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Flick has urged his players not to let standards drop as they look to end the year in style before turning their attention to the second half of the season.
"We just want to win. We have a fantastic team. We've bounced back and are playing very well," the German said.
"We have to keep doing the job right; it's a long road. Right now, it's just a moment. It's good to put pressure on the opponent, but the most important thing is the victory, working hard and focusing about ourselves.
"It's always good to keep a clean sheet. That means we controlled the game, did a good defensive job, and that's important too."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Villarreal wins - 2
Barcelona wins - 3
Draws - 0
La Liga Matchday 17 fixtures:
Friday, December 19
22h00: Valencia v Real Mallorca
Saturday, December 20
15h00: Real Oviedo v Celta Vigo
17h15: Levante v Real Sociedad
19h30: Osasuna v Alaves
22h00: Real Madrid v Sevilla
Sunday, December 21
15h00: Girona v Atletico Madrid
17h15: Villarreal v Barcelona
19h30: Elche v Rayo Vallecano
22h00: Real Betis v Getafe
Monday, December 22
22h00: Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol
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