It was not unexpected with San Mames being one of the most hostile stadia in Spain. However, it was a dismal performers from the reigning champions; at least by their standards. They were constantly being forced to pass the ball back and they were lacking their finishing touch.
Atheltic were pressing hard in the opening minutes that gave the Catalans some chances on the break but they were not able to find the back of the net.
It was in the 12th minute that Athletic missed a clear chance. A loose ball by Ter Stegen found Benat within the area but his shot was directed right at the former Borussia Monchengladbach man.
Barca gained the lead in 21st minute through a beautiful counter attack. Turan received the ball in the area from the No 9 and then lofted it to Ivan Rakitic and the Croat slotted home a beautiful header.
Turan bottled a chance in the dying minutes of the first half when he received pass from Messi and sent it just wide of the goal.
The intensity of the play continued into the second half. Atheltic still pressed and Braca, it seemed, were content to ply on counter. Arda gave beaitiful though ball to Suarez who laid it off to Messi but he lost his balance just when he was about to kick the ball.
The game continued with both sides missing chances. In the drying minutes, Suarez found himslef in front of an open goal but his casual powerless shot was saved by a defender on the line. In the end, that one goal proved the difference as Barca took 3 points from a tough opposition to join Madrid and Las Palmas on the top of the table.
Atheltic were pressing hard in the opening minutes that gave the Catalans some chances on the break but they were not able to find the back of the net.
It was in the 12th minute that Athletic missed a clear chance. A loose ball by Ter Stegen found Benat within the area but his shot was directed right at the former Borussia Monchengladbach man.
Barca gained the lead in 21st minute through a beautiful counter attack. Turan received the ball in the area from the No 9 and then lofted it to Ivan Rakitic and the Croat slotted home a beautiful header.
Turan bottled a chance in the dying minutes of the first half when he received pass from Messi and sent it just wide of the goal.
The intensity of the play continued into the second half. Atheltic still pressed and Braca, it seemed, were content to ply on counter. Arda gave beaitiful though ball to Suarez who laid it off to Messi but he lost his balance just when he was about to kick the ball.
The game continued with both sides missing chances. In the drying minutes, Suarez found himslef in front of an open goal but his casual powerless shot was saved by a defender on the line. In the end, that one goal proved the difference as Barca took 3 points from a tough opposition to join Madrid and Las Palmas on the top of the table.
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