Raphinha’s strike earned Barcelona an agonising 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to revive their nine-point lead over Real Madrid on the high of La Liga.
In the membership’s first sport after being charged with corruption by Spanish prosecutors, Barcelona shut out the noise and took one other step in direction of their first title since 2019.
The Catalans secured their nineteenth clear sheet in 25 La Liga video games this season as they held on to earn their ninth 1-0 win of the season, conserving second place Madrid at arm’s size after the champions beat Espanyol on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made some very good saves within the second half and Alex Berenguer struck the submit, however Athletic couldn’t break down the league leaders.
When Inaki Williams ultimately did late on, the objective was disallowed after VAR noticed a handball by Iker Muniain within the build-up.
“In the end what counts (is holding on), we defended with everybody, including in goal, on the goal line, these are games we have to win,” Ter Stegen informed DAZN.
“I have not seen the disallowed goal, but that’s why we have VAR. It’s a decision (the officials) have to take. We are very happy to keep another clean sheet.”
With Ronald Araujo suspended, Xavi used Jules Kounde alongside Andreas Christensen and began Sergi Roberto at right-back.
Ferran Torres, beginning on the left, pulled a shot narrowly huge of the close to submit as Barcelona started brightly, nonetheless with out injured duo Ousmane Dembele and Pedri.
Ernesto Valverde, who received two league titles with Barcelona earlier than he was sacked in 2020 with the staff nonetheless high of the desk, moved Nico Williams over to the left flank to attempt to get in behind Sergi Roberto.
Athletic, ninth, raised their sport, urgent nicely and by no means letting Barcelona relaxation. The Catalans had been uncomfortable however stayed afloat, regardless of the absence of key centre-back Araujo.
Robert Lewandowski ought to have despatched Barcelona forward however took a heavy contact and Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala was in a position to snatch the ball from the striker’s toes.
The midfield battle was intense, exemplified by Gavi throwing himself on the ball to attempt to block a move with a diving header.
Athletic followers threw pretend banknotes with the phrase “mafia” printed on them into the air, in protest after Barcelona’s corruption cost.
On the pitch the Catalans had been below the cosh too, with Ter Stegen denying Inaki Williams low at his close to submit.
Raul Garcia crashed a header off the crossbar from the ensuing nook, as Barcelona clung on.
Against the run of play, they took the lead earlier than half-time, when Sergio Busquets cleverly discovered Raphinha, who completed clinically along with his weaker proper foot.
The objective was initially flagged offside however VAR confirmed Raphinha was in a authorized place when he obtained the ball, and shortly the Brazilian was in a position to have fun.
Raphinha’s objective helped Barcelona beat Valencia by the identical scoreline final week, and the Brazilian is having fun with his finest type since becoming a member of from Leeds United final summer time.
Backs to the wall
Lewandowski may need doubled Barcelona’s lead within the second half however headed huge after a high-quality run and cross by Alejandro Balde.
Athletic got here near equalising once more when Berenguer broke in down the left however struck the submit.
Ter Stegen made a high-quality save at full stretch to claw out a Muniain effort from the sting of the field, as Athletic attacked in waves.
Eventually Inaki Williams blasted previous Ter Stegen after racing by on objective however Athletic had been left infuriated after Muniain’s handball was noticed initially of the transfer.
The win leaves the Catalans sitting comfortably clear forward of subsequent Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou, whereas Athletic are winless in 5 within the high flight.
“I think that VAR is there to correct big flagrant errors,” Valverde informed DAZN.
“Huge errors, balls that went in, or not. Calling the referee because it touched him, or it didn’t touch him … I don’t know if this belongs in the world of football.”
