Barcelona will go into 2026 sitting four points clear at the top of the LaLiga table.
This follows their 2-0 win over 10-man Villarreal on Sunday evening.
Hansi Flick’s men went in front thanks to a penalty from Raphinha in the early exchanges.
Raphinha picked himself and converted the spot-kick after he had been fouled by Santi Comesana.
Leading into half-time, Renato Veiga’s wild challenge on Lamine Yamal earned him a straight red card, making Villarreal’s assignment that much more difficult.
Yamal then made it 2-0 following a scramble inside the penalty box.
The win takes Barcelona to 46 points, while Real Madrid are in second place with 42.