Villarreal victory 'a big step towards the title' for Barca

The Blaugrana went level on points with second-placed Real Madrid after collecting all three points at La Ceramica on Sunday.

Ronald Koeman insists Barcelona took “a big step towards the title” after the narrow La Liga victory against Villarreal.

Antoinne Griezmann bagged a brace after Samuel Chukwueze had given Villarreal the lead four minutes before the half-hour mark to guide Barcelona to a 2-1 win.

The result saw the Catalan giants cut their deficit against league leaders Atletico Madrid to just two points and go level on points with bitter rivals Real Madrid. They still have played a game fewer than both the title hopefuls.

Speaking after the match, Koeman praised his side’s performance while suggesting that they can very well aim for their 27th top-flight crown this season.

“It’s a big step towards the title,” the Barca boss said, via Marca. “Each win is a step in the right direction. Each game is difficult.

“We reacted well to going behind and created chances. We were tiring in the final stages, but we defended well.

“We know that, with six games to go, if we win all six, we’re going to be champions. But I think our opponents are going to make life difficult.

“We’ve still got to play Atletico. There’s a long way to go, but we’re going to give everything to try to win.”