Earlier, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal had hit the crossbar for Barca and an attempt by Raphinha was cleared off the line before the visitors deservedly took the lead: Lewandowski converted a pass from Torre in the 20th minute.

Barcelona led 2-0 15 minutes later when Lewandowski acrobatically netted the rebound after home goalkeeper Diego Conde had parried Eric Garcia’s effort following a fine cross from Yamal.

But Villarreal, who had won three and drawn two of their first five La Liga games in the 2024/25 season, reduced the deficit three minutes later when former Newcastle and Leicester winger Ayoze Perez slotted home a low pass from Pepe.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser and Yeremy Pino headed against the crossbar before Torre restored Barca’s two-goal lead.

Lewandowski should have scored again after the impressive Yamal was fouled by Eric Bailly, but he fired his penalty against the foot of the post before Raphinha scored twice in nine minutes in the closing stages to complete a convincing win.

Barcelona are top of La Liga, four points ahead of reigning champions Real Madrid, who have drawn two of their six games.

It was the perfect response for Flick’s team after they started their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Monaco on Thursday, in a game that saw Barca field ten men for 80 minutes following Garcia’s early red card.

“It was very important that we came back from away. We scored five goals and got three points,” said Lewandowski.

“Everyone knows what they have to do, the older players, the younger players. We know how to attack and defend.

“We want to get the ball into the penalty area quicker this season and that is my zone, where I want to have more ball contact.”