In what appears to be a thrilling encounter between two greats clubs with great history, Barcelona came out victorious with a slightly edge 1-0 win with the only goal coming from La Masia Academy player Marc Guiu as most of the first team players watched from the sidelines while they recover from injuries.
Inaki William tested Ter Stegen with just four minutes into the game and the German shot-stopper had no problem in stopping the ball. Barcelona eased into the game and five minutes later a pass from Ferran Torres found Joao Felix inside the Athletic Bilbao box but he could only find the cross bar from close range. Barcelona were so close to scoring when Alejandro Balde pass found Fermin Lopez whose shot was stopped by Spain number one goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Joao Felix made several attempts in beating Unai Simon from outside the box but the Portuguese efforts was well saved by Simon. Inaki William tested Ter Stegen again from outside the box as he got on the loosed ball and fired straight only for Ter Stegen to save it with the tips of his finger and headed into a corner. Inaki Williams and his brother Nico Williams combined beautifully in the 43rd minute and Inaki Williams close range shot was saved by Ter Stegen and a rebound by Nico William was blocked by former Athletic Bilbao defender Inigo Martinez. It would have been ruled offside even if it had gone in.
Five minutes later and Nico Williams is resting Marc Andre Ter Stegen from close range and the German international had no problems saving it.
Barcelona big chance came in the 62nd minute when Joao Felix found Lamine Yamal close range to goal, but his low shot missed the goalpost by inches. Joao Cancelo had his own effort as he stepped over the ball beating the Athletic defender before firing into the hands of Simon.
Second half substitute Marc Guiu second touch on the ball resulted to a goal as he got on the pass from Joao Felix before firing pass the onrushing Unai Simon. Barcelona are third on the La Liga table as Madrid and Girona are ahead with 25 points. One point seperate them from third place Barcelona as we head into the El Classico next weekend.
PLAYERS RATING
1. TER STEGEN 9/10
Ter Stegen crucial saves kept Barcelona in the game and he was very active at the back as he put up a worthy man of the match performance.
2. INIGO MARTINEZ 8/10
Martinez started against his former side and gave a rock solid performance.
3. CHRISTENSEN 7/10
Christensen stood his ground against the two William brothers (Nico & Inaki). Was later subbed off for Araujo.
4. BALDE 7.8/10
Balde withstood the pressure from Inaki Williams and was a threat in attack and he spammed dangerous crosses.
5. JOAO CANCELO 8/10
Joao Cancelo was solid last night as he caged Nico William while also overlapping going forward for attacks. He had a shot which was saved by Unai Simon.
6. GAVI 7/10
The heart of the team. He was relentless as he was the bridge between attack and defense. Picked up a yellow card for the team as he stopped a crucial counterattack.
7. ORIOL ROMEU 6.8/10
Without Frenkie De Jong complementing him, Oriol Romeu struggled last night and his performance was below average. Needs to step up.
8. GUNDOGAN 7/10
Gundogan controlled the tempo of the game.
9. JOAO FELIX 8.5/10
Joao Felix had a great game. Unarguably one of his best games as a culer. He was the best player on the pitch in terms of attacking. Had so many efforts saved or hitting the crossbar. Gave the assist for the goal by Marc Guiu.
10. FERMIN LOPEZ 6.9/10
He wasn’t as effective as he used to be as a substitute but he put in a great effort for the team.
11. FERRAN TORRES 7/10
He had a great game but tried all his best.
12. RONALD ARAUJO 7.5/10
The best defender in the world currently. Came in as a substitute but had a great performance.
13. LAMINE YAMAL 7/10
Changed the rhythm of the game and almost had a goal to his name when his effort missed the goal by a margin.
14. MARCOS ALONSO 6.5/10
Put up a decent performance as a substitute.
15. MARC GUIU 7.9/10
He scored a the only goal to give Barcelona all three points. Scored immediately he got subbed in. Just 50 seconds into his arrival. The younger looks promising.