ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-1 BARCELONA: RAPHINHA NETS WINNER AS XAVI’S SIDE EDGE MATCH TO RESTORE NINE-POINT LEAD
Raphinha’s first-half strike was enough to see Barcelona edge out Athletic Bilbao in a tight encounter in La Liga at San Mames. Xavi’s side continue to close in on a first Spanish title since 2018/19 and this was a hard-fought and crucial victory in their pursuit of domestic glory this season. Athletic threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser late on, but they could not muster a response.
TALKING POINT – BARCA’S DEFENCE STANDS STRONG AGAIN
Despite the attacking options they have at their disposal, Barcelona have hardly been blowing teams off the park this season, putting a little extra pressure on their defence.
That back four was once again severely tested here, but they stood strong in racking up an eighth clean sheet in their last 10 league games, keeping tabs on the terrifying pace of the likes of Nico and Williams with incredible ease.
Even when they were beaten, goalkeeper Ter Stegen was in terrific form, making a string of fine saves to protect his clean sheet, and ensure he has still conceded just eight La Liga goals this season.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona). There are not too many occasions when you could claim a full-back was the most attacking outlet on the pitch, but that was certainly the case of San Mames.
Alejandro Balde caused Athletic Club problems all night with his sheer pace down the left flank, regularly beating his man before whipping dangerous crosses into the box, while he also carried out his defensive duties superbly.
It is hard to believe that he is still only 19, but the youngster, who has already won four caps for Spain, has well and truly made the left-back spot his own in this glittering Barca team.
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PLAYER RATINGS
ATHLETIC BILBAO: Agirrezabala 6; De Marcos 6, Vivian 7, Martinez 7, Balenziaga 6; Nico Williams 7, Dani Garcia 6, Raul Garcia 6, Vesga 6, Berenguer 6; Inaki Williams 7. Subs: Zarraga 6, Muniain 7, Berchiche n/a, Capa n/a, Guruzeta n/a
BARCELONA: ter Stegen 8; Roberto 6, Kounde 7, Christensen 7, Balde 8; Gavi 7, Busquets 7, de Jong 6; Raphinha 7, Lewandowski 6, Torres 6. Subs: Kessie 6, Alonso n/a, Fati n/a, Alarcon n/a
KEY MOMENTS
33’ OFF THE BAR. Wow, that was incredibly close for the hosts. A terrific header from Raul Garcia near the edge of the six yard box, but it rattles the woodwork. An inch or two lower and that goes in.
45+2’ GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-1 BARCELONA (Raphinha). After absorbing all that pressure, Barca have taken the lead! Busquets slides a terrific pass to Raphinha, who emphatically drills into the far corner from inside the box. It was originally flagged offside, but VAR look at it and he’s fine.
72’ BERENGUER RATTLES THE POST. An incisive break down the left flank, with Berenguer breaking into the box and seeing his shot superbly saved by Ter Stegen, who tips the low shot onto the post.
79’ SUPERB TER STEGEN SAVE. Muniain floats across the 18-yard line and makes aim for the far bottom corner, but Ter Stegen is equal to it, diving to his left to superbly tip around the post.
87’ GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 1-1 BARCELONA (Inaki Williams). He hasn’t scored since October, but the drought is over now! The forward breaks through on goal, with his pace taking him away from the defence, before he fires past Ter Stegen.
90’ GOAL RULED OUT! Inaki Williams thinks he’s levelled for the hosts, but it’s ruled out after a long VAR check for handball against Muniain.
90+4’ UNBELIEVABLE! WHAT DEFENDING. That is incredible. Athletic are queuing up to score. They’re smashing the ball goalwards, but it’s twice cleared off the line, including by Kounde. Remarkable and sensational defending.
KEY STATS
- Ernesto Valverde has suffered more defeats to Barcelona than any other team during his managerial career – 17
- This was Barcelona’s ninth 1-0 win in the league since the start of October
