Samuel Chukwueze was an early substitution for Villarreal, but was helpless as Barcelona secured a nervy 1-0 victory against the yellow Submarines.

Despite singing the praises of the Nigerian, Quique Setien opted to drop Chukwueze to the bench for the clash but turned to him immediately Francis Coquelin was injured in the 36th minute.

However, Barcelona were already ahead as a neat exchange between Pedri and Robert Lewandowski opened up the Spaniard with an opportunity he duly converted.

After that goal Barcelona switched to tough defense as the tried to conserve energy ahead of their Europa League clash against Manchester United.

Samuel Chukwueze was lively all through the encounter and was a constant menace down the right flank, he even had a goal ruled out for offside.

Villarreal will only have themselves to blame as they created enough chances to at least get a draw in front of their home fans.

The defeat leaves Quique Setien in 8th position just 3 points off a Europa League spot.