By Daily Sports on September 30, 2018

Barcelona's run of poor form continued following a surprise 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets started on the bench as Barcelona stretched their winless run to three La Liga matches.

Messi's arrival changed the game in Barcelona's favour but Ernesto Valverde will rue more points dropped in La Liga as he switches attention to the midweek clash with Tottenham in the Champions League.

“I have to judge the games we have coming up and we have four games in the space of 10 days, I have to think about what might happen and I thought Leo and Busquets had to rest, knowing that we have a very tough game on Wednesday and we have a large squad," Valverde told a news conference.

"I know it was a risky decision but if it had gone well no-one would have even asked me about it. When I take a decision like this, I think in the best interests of the team and the club. Sergi Roberto got injured today, imagine if Messi had."

Oscar De Marcos' goal just before the break looked to have made it back-to-back defeats for Barcelona following their midweek loss to Leganes but Munir El Haddadi equalised seven minutes from time.

Messi's arrival brought added impetus from the home side and once again he went close, hitting the post 13 minutes from time. But just as it appeared Valverde's men were set for a second successive defeat, Messi's cross found substitute Munir and he converted from close range to make it 1-1.

It rescued a point for Valverde but the 1-1 draw meant it was the first time Barcelona had not won in three matches since his appointment. Messi was also booked after the final whistle for dissent as the home side's frustration spilled over.

•Adapted from a KweseESPN.com report. Photo shows Barcelona players

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 30, 2018

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