Raphinha beats Agirrezabala as Barca strike first

Barcelona know that victories in difficult stadiums are necessary to win La Liga titles, and San Mames is one of them. That's why the 'Cules' came out determined against Athletic knowing that it is crucial for them to get the win and extend their lead over Real Madrid back to nine points.

In a tightly contested first half, the home side gave the first warning when Raul Garcia's header hit the crossbar folowing a corner. However, the 'Cules' did not so much warn as struck first.

Seconds before half-time Busquets received the ball on the edge of the box and fed Raphinha inside it. The Brazilian controlled the ball and beat Agirrezabala with a lovely finish to the far post. Gil Manzano disallowed the goal for offside, but after a VAR review the goal was validated.

Should the result end this way Xavi's side would move back to within nine points of Los Merengues at the top of the table while Athletic would have dropped three crucial points in their fight to qualify for European competition next season.

 

March 12, 2023