Barcelona endure mixed form but keep unbeaten run alive with Villarreal draw

Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Villarreal was influenced by standout performances at both ends of the pitch, albeit for very different reasons. Brilliance from Lionel Messi and Neymar had helped to give the away team a 2-0 lead going into the half-time break at El Madrigal. The Argentinean's range of passing was reminiscent of Xavi at times, his switches of play to the opposite flank and threaded balls behind the back four cutting the Yellow Submarine open.

On the opposite wing, Neymar's intelligent movement caused more problems, generating space by pulling opponents out of position, and helping to create numerical superiority in the midfield. The two forwards linked up spectacularly .