Villarreal stun champions Barcelona in thrilling La Liga upset

Canada international Tajon Buchanan sealed the win with an 80th-minute strike, securing Villarreal's Champions League qualification for next season.

Barcelona, who last tasted league defeat against Atletico Madrid on December 21, were coming off a title-clinching win against Espanyol and a celebratory open-top bus parade attended by over 600,000 fans.

Head coach Hansi Flick remained unfazed by the loss, citing the team's recent festivities. "I'm fine with it," Flick said at a press conference. "We played Thursday, celebrated Thursday night and Friday. I'm still happy with how we played.

"We had chances to win, but the players and fans should be proud of this fantastic season."

The match saw Villarreal take an early lead through Ayoze Perez in the fourth minute. Barcelona fought back, with Lamine Yamal's stunning left-footed strike, his fourth goal in six games, leveling the score, followed by Fermin Lopez's goal in stoppage time to put the hosts ahead.

Villarreal responded after the break, with Santi Comesana's deft finish over Marc-Andre ter Stegen restoring parity before Buchanan's late heroics.

Post-match, Barcelona were presented with the La Liga trophy, their 28th Spanish title, amid fireworks and celebrations. The players paraded their three trophies from the season, La Liga, the Spanish Supercopa, and the Copa del Rey, before families joined them on the pitch.

Flick emphasized that this is just the beginning, telling fans: "We have just started our journey. Next season, we must improve, but I know we have the potential. We'll work hard from the start, with the same mentality, never give up."

Recent updates from X highlight Barcelona's focus on the future, with sporting director Deco reportedly targeting a centre-back, full-back, and winger in the summer transfer window.

Flick confirmed these plans, saying, "Deco and I will speak about reinforcements, but for now, I focus on this team's unbelievable strength." He praised young stars like 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi and leaders like Inigo Martinez, noting, "Inigo's mentality is special. He's vital in the dressing room."

Barcelona have one final league game against Athletic Club before a summer break, as they are not participating in the Club World Cup. With Flick's vision and a talented squad, the Blaugrana are already gearing up for another trophy-laden campaign. 

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