Neither side threatened enough in the second 45 minutes and, Villarreal will feel they should have done more to test the defence. The pressure eases on Valverde for a few more days as they end Villarreal's three-match unbeaten run.
Barcelona bounce back from their defeat to Granada by grabbing all three points against Villarreal. They showed signs of their best form during the first 30 minutes as Griezmann and Arthur both delivered in the final third. Cazorla's goal gave the visitors a chance, but it was the injury to Messi that ruined the momentum of the match. He made it to half-time, but another muscle injury may trouble him going forward.