Stat attack: Barcelona’s 17-year dominance over Villarreal continues unchallenged

Barcelona are set to lock horns against Villarreal later today in what will be a clash between two of Spain’s most in-form teams.

The Yellow Submarines, who enjoy the home advantage, are also better rested and have a good run of momentum. Barcelona, meanwhile, enter the clash fresh off a defeat midweek to AS Monaco.

Recent dominance

Ahead of the kickoff on Sunday evening, an interesting statistic has come up around Barcelona’s historic success at Villarreal’s home ground – Estadi de La Ceramica.

The Blaugrana have dominated games at the venue in recent years and are unbeaten there in their last 16 appearances. Of those 16 games, 12 were wins and only four were draws.

More interestingly, the last time Barcelona lost at La Ceramica was on October 20, 2007, when the stadium was called El Madrigal. Villarreal registered a 3-1 win over the Blaugrana on the night but have never had that fortune over the next 17 years.

Notably, however, Villarreal have beaten Barcelona in Catalonia, most recently last season when they mounted a 5-3 comeback to take down Xavi’s men.

While Barcelona have dominated games at La Ceramica, the stadium is usually a fortress for the home team with it even being regarded as one of the most daunting atmospheres for any visiting side.

Even Real Madrid have struggled at the venue in recent years and have only won once at the stadium in their past eight games there. In fact, Los Blancos have only won thrice At La Ceramica in their last 13 appearances.