Raphinha's goal gave Barcelona a 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, preserving their nine-point advantage over the league's other teams and giving them their 19th shutout in 25 league games.
The hosts made a strong opening despite entering the game with a four-game losing streak across all competitions, but they very well might have trailed when Frenkie de Jong expertly slid in the returning Robert Lewandowski after 17 minutes. While Julen Agirrezabala gathered in appreciatively, the division's leading scorer this season may have shown rust by taking a heavy touch when he could have fired the trigger. Athletic, though, had a surprisingly decent chance of their own halfway through the first period. Jules Koundé and Marc-André ter Stegen were confused as a result of Dani Vivian's long pass over the top, but Lex Berenguer, who was being pressured by the Germany goalkeeper, who was making his 350th club appearance of his career, could only help the ball wide.
The home supporters were obviously in a playful mood as they threw fake money onto the field in reference to Barça being accused last week for allegedly making bribes in the past to attempt to influence refereeing decisions. On the field, Ernesto Valverde's team was having a lot of difficulty with their legendary rivals. Iaki Williams forced a superb save from Ter Stegen to his left, and Ral Garca, who had been substituted for the suspended Oihan Sancet, then headed Berenguer's corner against the crossbar. Nevertheless, the visitors seized the lead right on the stroke of halftime when Raphinha took advantage of a beautiful pass from Sergio Busquets and fired home from an angle. While the goal was first disallowed for offside, VAR quickly reversed that ruling.
Lewandowski wasn't having the finest night, and just after the interval, he had another opportunity to start the scoring for the evening, but his header from Alejandro Balde's fine cross went wide of the goal. Iker Muniain was substituted for Garca by former Barça manager Valverde to shift the momentum of the game, but the substitution had little effect until the small forward's whipping effort on the 79th minute forced Ter Stegen into an outstanding save. Williams was able to score well after being passed in by Athletic, but the goal was disallowed because it struck Muniain's left arm during the buildup. Barcelona then managed to win the match in the last seconds thanks to a frenzied sequence of play.
Prior to the international break, Xavi's team will visit Real Madrid, who are currently in second position. Athletic will go to Real Valladolid on Friday night.
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