Barcelona faces Villarreal this Sunday, December 21, 2025, in the 17th round of LaLiga. The confrontation takes place at Estádio de la Cerámica, at Villarreal, at Espanha, starting at 12:15 pm at Brasília time.Pedriis not in the confirmed Barcelona lineup, being left out due to a muscle problem.
The competition leader seeks to end the year with victory and maintain their advantage in the table. Villarreal, third placed, plays at home aiming to reduce the difference at the top. The live broadcast is carried out by ESPN on closed TV and Disney+ on streaming.
- ESPN: Disponível on pay TV packages.
- Disney+: Acesso via app or website for subscribers.
These platforms guarantee complete coverage with images and analysis.
Pedri out of confirmed lineup
Pedridoes not start the match for Barcelona due to muscular discomfort in the quadriceps or calf, according to a recent medical evaluation. Coach Hansi Flick chose to preserve the player, avoiding the risk of a more serious injury. Essa absence represents a significant loss in the Catalan midfield.
The decision prioritizes complete recovery, with the expectation of a return after the end-of-year break. Outros players adjust positions to compensate for the midfielder’s absence.
Where to watch the match live
Exclusive broadcast on Brasil occurs on ESPN and Disney+. The platforms offer a high definition signal, with narration and specialized comments. Services include replays of decisive plays during the game.
- ESPN: Canal integrated with pay TV operators.
- Disney+: Streaming on mobile devices and smart TVs.
This pair of options makes monitoring easier for fans in different regions.
Official team lineups
The lineups were announced by the clubs before the start. Barcelona adopts an offensive scheme, with an emphasis on wingers and quick transitions. Villarreal prioritizes defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.
- Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Júnior; Pau Navarro, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Tajon Buchanan, Santi Comesaña, Dani Parejo, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze Pérez, Nicolas Pépé.
- Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan García; Jules Koundé, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Alejandro Balde; Eric García, Frenkie of Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Raphinha; Ferran Torres.
These formations indicate strategies adapted to the absences of each side.
Position in the table before the game
Barcelona leads LaLiga with 43 points, presenting the best attack in the competition. The team maintains a positive sequence of results, with few defeats recorded. The Catalan club seeks to widen the gap on the pursuers.
Villarreal occupies third place with 35 points, demonstrating a consistent campaign at home. The local team has won recent matches in the league, consolidating its position at the top.
The table reflects the good moment of both teams in the Spanish championship.
Confirmed absences from squads
Barcelona deals with the absence ofPedridue to muscular discomfort, in addition to other casualties such as Dani Olmo, Pablo Gavi and Ronald Araújo in recovery. Essas limitations affect rotation in midfield and defense. The main group maintains high competitiveness.
Villarreal faces multiple absences due to injuries and international call-ups. Jogadores like Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, Gerard Moreno and others are left out, requiring improvisation.
- Barcelona: Pedri (muscular), Olmo, Gavi and Araújo unavailable.
- Villarreal: Costa, Foyth, Moreno and Akhomach among those absent.
These absences directly influence the coaches’ tactical choices.
Featured players in the clash
Raphinha leads the Barcelona attack with recent shots and assists, complemented by Lamine Yamal on the wings. Ayoze Pérez poses a threat to Villarreal, with decisive goals alongside Nicolas Pépé. Dani Parejo organizes the local midfield with precise passes.
- Barcelona: Raphinha (quick finisher), Yamal (efficient dribbler).
- Villarreal: Pérez (versatile striker), Parejo (experienced midfielder).
These athletes have the ability to define important actions during the match.
The duel between Villarreal and Barcelona closes the 2025 calendar in LaLiga with the expectation of an open game. Ambas teams prioritize offensive proposals, promising scoring chances on both sides.
