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.
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.
Luis Suarez squandered a good opportunity for the hosts in the first half and Barcelona found visiting goalkeeper Unai Simon in inspired form throughout.
De Marcos stunned the Camp Nou following a set piece just before half time to give Bilbao the lead and Valverde didn’t waste too long in trying to rectify the situation after the break.
Just 10 minutes after the restart, Messi was sent on for Arturo Vidal as Barcelona looked to find a way back into the match. And after Philippe Coutinho hit the bar on 60 minutes, Messi’s free kick was headed off the line as Bilbao battled bravely to keep their lead in tact.
They could have doubled their lead shortly after Messi went close, but Nelson Semedo’s last ditch tackle stopped Inaki Williams when he was through on goal.
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.
Be the first to comment