Barcelona 2 Villarreal 1: Catalan giants extend La Liga lead thanks to Neymar brace



Barcelona's brilliant Brazilian Neymar made it five goals in two games as the league leaders moved five points clear of Real Madrid.

As Leo Messi continues his recuperation in Argentina Neymar continues to fill the the four times Balon d’Or winners golden boots.

On a run: Neymar celebrates the second goal, his fifth goal in a week for Barcelona

Ahead: Barcelona's Neymarcelebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first half Questions were asked recently about the 57m euros signing from Santos’ ability to finish – his answer has been resounding, netting three times against Celtic and twice against Villarreal. Barcelona’s Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta confirmed after the game that representatives of the club will travel to Argentina next week to speak with Messi, after this display he can tell the Barça number 10 there is no need to hurry his comeback. 'He will give us so much more than goals' said Zubizarreta about Neymar but on the night it was his finishing that earned Barcelona the points. 'You are always going to miss the best player in the world when he is not there,' said Barcelona coach Tata Martino. 'I think we would have played even better in these last two games with him.'



Slotted home: Neymar was handed the opportunity to score after Mario's handball All the same he will have been delighted to see his side move extend their advantage over Real Madrid without Messi’s help. With Xavi rested on the bench former Arsenal midfielders Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas paired-up in midfield and it was Song who almost broke the deadlock but his shot came back off Sergio Asenjo’s right-hand upright. Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges and it was Neymar who put them ahead on 28 minutes. The Brazilian became the fifth different player to score from the spot for Barcelona this season after Mario Gaspar handled Jordi Alba’s cross.

On the bounce: Neymar's goal marks the first time he has scored in consecutive games for Barca Alexis should have made it 2-0 when put through by Iniesta but had his shot turned away for a corner by Asenjo. Villarreal equalized just four minutes into the second half when Mateo Musacchio bullet-headed a corner past Jose Pinto after getting ahead of Marc Bartra. Having a allowed Villrreal to get back into the game Barça struggled to get back on top and on the hour Tata Martino decided he had seen enough and brought Xavi on for Alex Song. The Cameroon midfielder continues to play only a bit-part role at the Camp Nou and the change was the catalyst for Barcelona going back in front.