By Daily Sports on June 24, 2020

Barcelona limped to a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday that sends them back to the top of La Liga, for 24 hours at least, three points ahead of Real Madrid.

Only a goal from substitute Ivan Rakitic in the 71st minute prevented Barca from another stalemate after a draw at Sevilla on Friday had allowed Real to go top on head-to-head.

Madrid will return to the summit if they beat struggling Real Mallorca on Wednesday but Barcelona's victory at least puts the pressure back on Zinedine Zidane’s side, whose upward momentum is yet to be reflected by the table.

This Barca performance though was hardly a statement of intent, devoid of chances, lacking zip and tinged with frustration rather than the free-flowing football Quique Setien was appointed to bring in.

Lionel Messi looked particularly wearied by his team’s display. The Argentinian was creator-in-chief again but the dependence on him was high and he remains one away from the 700th goal of his career.

Rakitic is likely to be among a handful of players allowed to leave this summer. He has not been a regular this season and this was his first Barca goal since the Clasico in March last year.

“It’s a difficult period but we have to stick together,” said Rakitic. “It was an important goal, it was a tough game, it was hard for us to open the game up.”

Arthur Melo started, despite reports he could be close to joining Juventus, and struggled.

Sergio Busquets picked up a yellow card and will be suspended against Celta Vigo on Saturday but that should be a simpler assignment than the ones that come after against in-form Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.

Athletic Bilbao stay 10th after suffering their first defeat since La Liga returned. (SuperSport)

•PHOTO: Ivan Rakitic

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 24, 2020

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