Yamal's curling strike gives Barcelona hard-fought win at Athletic Bilbao
Barcelona made hard work of their trip to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday before Lamine Yamal produced a moment of quality to settle it. Hansi Flick had rotated his squad with one eye on the Champions League last-16 tie against Newcastle, and the visitors looked disjointed for much of the first half. Yamal's 68th-minute strike was all that separated the sides.
Flat first half, then Yamal
Athletic were the better team before the break. Iñaki Williams had the ball in the net only for the goal to be chalked off for offside, and João Cancelo almost turned the ball into his own goal, striking his own post. Joan Garcia, starting in goal for Barcelona, was not seriously tested but Flick's side struggled to create anything of their own.
The game changed when Pedri came off the bench and found Yamal on the right side of the penalty area. The 18-year-old took a touch to open up a shooting angle, then whipped a left-footed shot that curled off the inside of the far post and in. It was Yamal's 19th goal of the season across all competitions and his 14th in La Liga, making him Barcelona's top scorer in the league.
Four-point cushion restored
Athletic pushed hard for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes. Oihan Sancet fired wide with the best of their late chances, but Barcelona's defence held firm to secure a win that puts them four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.
It was an ugly performance rescued by an outstanding individual. Yamal continues to be the player opponents cannot plan for, the one who turns nothing into a goal when the rest of the team has gone quiet. Flick will hope the rotation pays off when Newcastle visit the Camp Nou in midweek.
