The five players dropped by Xavi after Barcelona's Clasico defeat
The Barça coach rung the changes against Villarreal in LaLiga on Thursday
The Clasico defeat had consequences. Only six players that started Barcelona's 3-1 loss to Real Madrid kept their place against Villarreal on Thursday.
Five players were sent to the bench for the LaLiga game, including captain Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele. Raphinha, Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde also dropped out of the team.
Xavi Hernandez promised changes after two disappointing results -- that Clasico game followed the 3-3 draw with Inter Milan -- and he fulfilled that promise.
In to the team came Marcos Alonso, playing as a central defender, Jordi Alba, Gavi, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati.
The changes had an effect. Alba set up the opening goal for Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres created the third before half time for Ansu.
Barça could not afford to lose to Villarreal after Real Madrid beat Elche 3-0 on Wednesday to temporarily move three points clear at the top.
