Stunning Yamal strike earns Barca a win in Bilbao
Lamine Yamal struck in the second half to earn Barcelona a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Athletic Club in LaLiga, keeping the defending champion four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the standings.
In the wake of Barca's Copa del Rey semi-final exit against visitor Atletico Madrid last week, and with one eye on the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg at Newcastle United this week, coach Hansi Flick shuffled his pack and watched his side labour through a disjointed first half in Bilbao.
Athletic created the better chances but was repeatedly denied by keeper Joan Garcia, who produced a string of fine saves to keep the visitors level and underline his growing importance this season.
Flick introduced Raphinha, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski midway through the second half and the breakthrough came in the 68th minute.
Pedri released Yamal inside the box running from the right channel and the 18-year-old curled a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner off the post to silence the home crowd.
Barcelona tops the standings with 67 points after 27 games ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, which won 2-1 at Celta Vigo, while Athletic is ninth with 35 points.
"We were just about ready for the match after the effort the other day against Atletico but we managed to take the three points and we're ready for Tuesday [Wednesday AEDT], that's what matters," Pedri said.
"It was a very, very important victory earned at a hard place to play at. They put a lot of pressure on you.
"We were very tired and these are important points to keep going. We have to keep adjusting things for Tuesday [Wednesday AEDT], because today we didn't drive at a good pace."
In a sluggish first-half, Barca failed to test Unai Simon before halft-ime as Athletic controlled much of the play in front of a full house at “The Cathedral” of Basque football.
The hosts carved out the better openings but found goalkeeper Joan Garcia in stubborn mood, the keeper producing a string of fine saves to keep the champions on level terms.
Flick put Raphinha and Pedri on the bench at the start, while injuries ruled out Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong.
His depleted side struggled for fluency and was second best for long spells as Athletic turned in one of its sharper displays of the campaign.
The turning point came with Yamal's moment of magic settling a tight contest at San Mames as his sumptuous strike at the sold-out stadium and proved to be enough to take the points.
