FC Barcelona moved nine points clear at the top of LaLiga with a 1-0 victory away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night.
LaLiga
Result: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona
Date: 12 March 2023
Venue: San Mames
Blaugrana coach Xavi Hernandez made two changes from the win over Valencia last weekend, as top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Gavi returned in place of Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati.
The away side enjoyed most of the possession in the early stages of the encounter, with Sergio Busquet passing up a chance on nine minutes after heading over the crossbar from Raphinha's free-kick.
Bilbao carved out their first opening in the 15th minute when Mikel Vesga did well to pick out Alex Berenguer on the edge of the box, but the attacker's overhead kick sailed over the target.
The hosts went even closer after 33 minutes when Raul Garcia met a cross from Berenguer and sent a diving header crashing against the crossbar with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen well-beaten.
However, Barcelona would go on to get the opening goal on the stroke of halftime as Raphinha bagged his sixth league goal with a powerful into the bottom corner after some good work by Busquets in the build-up.
The visitors went close to adding to their advantage seven minutes after the break when Alejandro Balde did well to pick out Lewandowski, who sent his header inches wide of the upright.
Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde opted for a double change just after the hour mark, as Raul Garcia and Vesga made way for Oier Zarraga and Iker Muniain in the attack.
The home side nearly got their reward in the 72nd minute through Berenguer, who surged towards to the box and unleashed a low strike that crashed against post before Ter Stegen cleared on the rebound.
Ter Stegen was called into action to keep Blaugrana in front in the final ten minutes, with the German shot-stopper producing a couple saves to keep out Inaki Williams and Muniain.
However, Ter Stegen had to pick the ball out of his own net on 87 minutes as Williams found the equaliser for Bilbao however after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check, the goal was ruled out for a handball.
Ter Stegen ensured Barcelona walked away with the spoils after pulling off a fine save to keep out Gorka Guruzeta's close-range moments after Yuri Berchiche had his shot cleared off the line.
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