Raphinha winner gives Barcelona nine point lead in LaLiga

Barcelona stretched their lead to nine points at the summit of the LaLiga standings as they edged out Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at the San Mames on Sunday evening. Raphinha scored the winner in first half stoppage time as the Catalans grabbed three crucial points in their quest for a first LaLiga title since the 2018-19 season.

Barcelona started the game on the front foot playing with great intensity thanks to their fluid attacking style. In a frantic opening, Ferran Torres shot wide in just the second minute while Robert Lewandowski spurned a golden opportunity for the visitors in the 17^th minute.

The Pole found himself through on goal from Frenkie De Jong’s lovely weighted but was let down by his heavy second touch that allowed Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala to gather.

Marc Andre ter Stegen then got down brilliantly to deny Iniaki Williams in the 32^nd minute before the hosts rattled the bar thanks to Raul Garcia’s header from the following corner.

RAPHINHA BREAKS DEADLOCK

Barcelona finally made the breakthrough at the end of the half when Raphinha curled in a left-footed effort from inside the box after being picked out by Sergio Busquets. The referee initially ruled out the Brazilian’s goal for offside, but VAR intervened, and the goal stood as the former Leeds United winger was onside when he received the ball.

Both teams looked to garner clear-cut opportunities in the second half, and it was the hosts who went closest to restore parity in the 72^nd minute.

Iniaki Williams released Alejandro Berenguer, but the latter rattled the post to pile on the frustration for the home faithful.

BILBAO GOAL RULED OUT BY VAR

Iker Muniain came close too but Ter Stegen once again came up with the goods to keep his clean sheet intact. Barcelona then breathed a sigh of relief when Inaki Williams’ goal was ruled out for handball just two minutes before the end as the Catalans held on for huge three points.

The result means that Xavi’s side now have 65 points from 25 games leading the pack while Bilbao lie ninth as their stuttering campaign continues.  

Photo Credit: Imago / ZUMA Wire