A much changed Barcelona team secured a scrappy but clinical 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao to keep the pressure onleague leaders Real Madrid and close the gapto one point, having playing two more matches than their arch rivals.
Goalscorers Paco Alcacer, Lionel Messi and Aleix Vidal secured the three points for Barca on an afternoon that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons in the Bilbao camp.
Looking for their first win at Camp Nou since 2001, Bilbao could and perhapsshould have found themselves 2-0 to the good inside the first 11 minutes of the game with clear cutchances for Raul Garcia and Inaki Williams. However, the post and a poor header spared Barca's blushes.
The bright start continued asthe energeticBilbao pressed high and repeatedly won possession of the ball in dangerous areas.However, Bilbao were then made to regret their missed chances as Paco Alcacer neatly finished on 18 minutesto giveBarcelona a 1-0 lead.
The goal didn't give Barcelona the foothold they sought as Bilbao continued to dominate the midfield battle, however, Bilbao continued to be wasteful in front of goal.This wastefulness would cost them dearly as an audaciousMessi free kick could only be palmed into the roof of the net by Iraizoz togive Barca a undeserved 2-0 lead at half time.
Barcelona stepped up their game in the second half and with Brazilian Neymar at his effervescent best Bilbao couldn't find a way back into the game. Barca could even afford to sub off Lionel Messi on 63 minutes to rest him for the upcoming clash with Athletico Madrid.
Mid way through the second half, Barca made it 3-0 with a swift attack placed neatly in the corner by Aleix Vidal. The rest of the match was comfortably seen out by Barcawith Bilbao running out of steam and upon reflection will greatly regret those first few minutes of the game.
Over to you Real Madrid.
Athletic XI Barcelona: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Yeray, Laporte, Balenziaga; San José, Iturraspe; Muniain, Raúl GarcÃa, Lekue; Williams. #SFLive.