**_MADRID_**: Barcelona’s 2-0 win at 10-man Villarreal on goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal ensured they go into the new year top of LaLiga, four points ahead of Real Madrid. Villarreal are fourth on 35.
It took just 12 minutes for Barcelona to take the lead from the penalty spot after Santi Comesana blocked Raphinha with his back as the winger tried to break through and the Brazilian converted the spot-kick.
The kick had been awarded after Villarreal’s Renato Veiga mistimed a tackle on Lamine Yamal six minutes before halftime. Yamal scored Barcelona’s second in the 63rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after a flurry of chances that Villarreal’s defence failed to clear.
**In Germany**
Undefeated Bayern Munich cruised past hosts Heidenheim 4-0 to enter the winter break with a nine-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga on 41 points with Borussia Dortmund second on 32 following Friday’s 2-0 win at Borussia Monchengladbach. Struggling Heidenheim are 17th place on 11.
Bayern have won 13 of their 15 league matches this season. Their scoring spree was completed by Harry Kane with his 19th league goal of the season.
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