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Barcelona squander two-goal lead in draw at Villarreal

Barcelona missed out on the chance to go 11 points clear at the top of the Primera Division as they squandered a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw at Villarreal.
Ivan Rakitic's half-volley and a classy 'Panenka' penalty from Neymar had given Luis Enrique's side a comfortable lead before half-time.
But Villarreal fought back after the break, Cedric Bakambu halving the deficit before Jeremy Mathieu knocked the ball into his own net just moments after coming on as a substitute.
Despite failing to win for the first time in 13 league games, Barca increased their lead over nearest challengers Atletico Madrid at the top of the table to nine points after the Rojiblancos lost 2-1 at Sporting Gijon, while Villarreal remain fourth, picking up a first point in three games.
The hosts made a bright start, former Barcelona B player Denis Suarez dribbling his way towards the area and shooting a couple of feet wide of the far post, and then Bakambu taking down a pass by the near post and firing at Claudio Bravo, who repelled the shot.

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