Lionel Messi’s stunning 90th minute free-kick earned Barcelona a 1-1 draw with Villarreal in a thrilling clash.
Nicola Sansone’s goal seemed to have won it for the hosts until Messi salvaged a point for the visitors, although it still leaves them five points behind leaders Real Madrid, having played a game more.
The first half was an end-to-end affair with chances for both sides, Neymar missing the best two.
Villarreal made the Catalans pay early in the second period when Lucas Digne gave the ball away and the hosts broke downfield at speed, with Pato slicing the defence open and Sansone finishing neatly.
Barcelona pushed for an equaliser, not given a penalty when Bruno clearly handled the ball in the box, before Lionel Messi curled a strike off the post from 20 yards.
The referee did not award Villarreal a penalty when Javier Mascherano handled it at the other end either, and another Barcelona shout for the same offence went ignored too.
Furstration reigned, until Messi stepped up and scored one of his finest goals yet, a free-kick which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Jaume Costa was sent off in stoppage time for his second yellow card but there wasn’t enough time left for Barcelona to capitalise.
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