Pedri Misses Penalty; Pino Scores on Rebound

Barcelona Draws 1-1 with Villarreal

Pedri's Missed Penalty Costs Barcelona Valuable Points

Barcelona suffered a setback in their pursuit of the La Liga title on Thursday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal at Camp Nou. The Catalan giants were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute after Samuel Chukwueze brought down Jordi Alba in the box, but Pedri's spot-kick was saved by Geronimo Rulli.

Villarreal took the lead against the run of play in the 41st minute when Nicolas Jackson's shot deflected off Ronald Araujo and past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Barcelona pushed for an equalizer in the second half and were finally rewarded in the 73rd minute when Pino pounced on the rebound after Pedri's shot was saved by Rulli.

The draw leaves Barcelona in second place in the La Liga standings, three points behind leaders Real Madrid. Villarreal remains in ninth place, but they are now just three points behind sixth-placed Real Betis.