Barcelona move nine points clear of Real Madrid

Blaugrana recorded a challenging 1-0 win away to Athletic Club

In what has been a dramatic week off the pitch for Barcelona, the playing staff were able to ensure the Negreira case was forgotten about for a brief period as they won 1-0 away to Athletic Club.

Despite constant barbs from the home support suggesting that the Catalan giants could be relegated to the Segunda Division as punishment, Xavi’s charges focused on their football.

A strong start from the visitors almost gave them an early lead, but Ferran Torres’ strike fizzed just wide of the left post.

However, the next best chances fell to the Basque club with Inaki Williams and Raul Garcia both going close.

After 33 minutes, Williams wriggled through a swarm of Barcelona defenders to create shooting pace, but his side-footed effort was tipped wide by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Garcia then won a header from the subsequent corner and it appeared to leave Ter Stegen stranded, but the ball bounced back off the crossbar.

Raphinha scored the decisive goal
With the first-half coming to a close, Raphinha scored what would be the winning goal.

The Brazilian found himself unmarked inside the penalty area and converted his shot, only for the assistant to raise his flag for offside.

VAR then reviewed the passage of play, and it was determined that no offside in the build-up had occurred and the Brazilian’s goal was given.

Robert Lewandowski missed a chance to double the lead after 55 minutes, nodding wide from close range.

Alex Berenguer produced a fine individual strike with 18 minutes to play, and it appeared to be goal-bound until the German stopper parried the ball wide, continuing his fantastic performance.

Chaos reigned at the end of the match, with Barcelona heading into injury-time with a slender one-goal advantage.

Inaki Williams again caused the visitors problems as he ran through the defense before firing a shot into the back of the net.