Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena has revealed his delight after registering his first La Liga goal for the club on Sunday night.

The 20-year-old came off the bench to score Barcelona's second in their 2-0 success over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

Alena paid tribute to Lionel Messi for providing a brilliant assist to allow him to get his name on the scoresheet, and the midfielder has now vowed to kick on as he targets a regular spot in the side.

"Now I must look to make the most of the opportunities I receive," Alena told reporters. "I have been playing in the Copa and now I have had the chance in La Liga, but I know I must keep playing well to be considered.

"My aim is to give the coach a selection problem when he considers picking the team, for my name to be in his head. My goal? It was much easier when you play with Messi, because only he can play that ball to you – nobody else would see it.

"When you are one-on-one it is easier, but it was amazing to score at the Camp Nou and it fulfils a dream for me. I want to thank everyone including my teammates for helping me against difficult opponents."

Alena will hope to be involved when Barcelona face Cultural Leonesa in the second leg of their last-32 Copa del Rey tie on Wednesday night.