WATCH: Lamine Yamal provides a 50-yard trivela pass for Raphinha's goal

At La Ceramica, Barcelona maintained their domestic joy by decisively stopping a high-flying Villarreal team. Even though Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde were rested, the Catalans managed to win 5-1, an unforgettable result.

Barcelona was ahead 2-0 at the break with two goals from Robert Lewandowski and Ayoze Perez, but the margin was just half that at the half. The Catalans currently have a four-goal advantage thanks to Raphinha, even though Lewandowski missed a penalty that would have completed his hat-trick. Pablo Torre's excellent goal in the second half restored the two-goal lead.

Raphinha is set up by Pau Victor, who is demonstrating his continued outstanding form. Barcelona put on a fantastic display at La Ceramica, and their domestic happiness will undoubtedly continue. Ayoze Perez scored his fourth goal for Villarreal two minutes after Lewandowski increased the advantage. 

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EL PASE DE LAMINE YAMAL AJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJJAJAAJJAAJ pic.twitter.com/pOpCCGJ8fx

— Manu. (@GxlDePaulinho) September 22, 2024

Perez had joined from Real Betis in the summer. That continued until halftime when Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was forced to be replaced due to a serious-looking knee injury that occurred just before the break. It looks like Ter Stegen's injury is to his right knee's patellar tendon. Halfway through the second half of the La Ceramica match, he was taken to the hospital. These worries are validated; a nine-month layoff due to injury is very likely.

Barcelona four points ahead in La Liga

The 32-year-old captain of Barcelona and Germany international suffered injuries after his right knee gave way during a landing when he was receiving the ball. He was taken off the field with his hands covering his face. It's probably going to be a whole day before Barcelona has further information on Ter Stegen. They are hoping that the situation is not as dire as initially thought, as it might mean that his season ends in a matter of weeks.

He was replaced by Inaki Pena, and the backup goalkeeper proved vital, stopping a shot from former Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe with a great save when the score was 2-1. With Real Madrid in second place, Barcelona has reclaimed its four-point advantage atop La Liga as a consequence of the outcome. Flick's team has also won six of their previous six league games.