MADRID (Spain): Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.
Two assists for Leo Messi as well as a goal each for Luis Suarez, Griezmann and Ansu Fati, and a Pau Torres own goal, ease Barça to a comfortable win in an exciting match
A swift attack from the Blaugranes that involved Messi and Suárez saw the ball moved out to Jordi Alba and his low cross confused Torres who was being put under early pressure from Antoine Griezmann.
Villarreal were finding it difficult to get out of their own half thanks to the high pressing game that Barça were playing.
However, Gerard Moreno fired home after a swift break on 12, bringing the scores level.
With no let-up in the action, Suárez almost put the visitors ahead again in the very next attack, as the game continued to open up. Just before the 20-minute mark, a super run by Messi played in the Uruguayan and his glorious first touch saw the ball curl into the top corner to give Barça a 2-1 lead.
The end-to-end action continued with Barça indebted to Marc-André ter Stegen who saved well from Carlos Bacca. before Sergio Asenjo palmed a fierce Arturo Vidal shot wide.
A stunning chip from Griezmann via another Messi assist was a goal of the season contender which ended an incredibly exciting first half.
