I’m not sure where to start with that. So why not, as is so often the case, start with Lionel Messi?
It’s likely that the Argentinean’s only goal tonight will be the deflected, fortunate opener from a free-kick – but after that, despite never quite appearing to be fully front and centre, Messi set up Suárez and Neymar for a goal apiece, forced Oscar de Marcos into a probable own goal,and then saved his best for last, dissecting the Athletic defence with a pass to Busquets for Pedro’s goal. In short, Messi ran the game without even particularly trying.
As for Athletic, they burst forward when able and were a powerful, persistent threat, but could not match that enthusiasm with organisation – best demonstrated when, after Mikel Rico’s goal got them back into the game, Barcelona immediately disappeared over the horizon. The game was ended as a contest when Etxeita let the side down, digging his studs into Luis Suárez’s knee.
For Barcelona, it’s now 21 goals in five straight victories since their defeat to Real Sociedad, with 8 for Messi, 5 for Neymar, and even one tonight for poor Luis Suárez. Best. Crisis. Ever.
Thanks for joining me. Bye!
Full-time: Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona
So after a dramatic, see-saw encounter, Barcelona claim an impressive win. They’re now just one point behind Real Madrid.
91 mins: Gurpegui booked for dissent, presumably for suggesting in no uncertain terms that the ref should blow his whistle. One minute left.
90 mins: Neymar is picked out by Pedro and should make it six, but his shot, again delivered with a touch too much artistry, is clawed away by Iraizoz. The Athletic goalkeeper has had a good game. His team are 5-2 now.
89 mins: Whatever wind was swirling limply in and around Athletic’s sails has now departed. Neymar tries to chip Iraizoz from 30 yards, but it’s saved. Don’t get too cocky.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona (Pedro)
This is ludicrous. After 2-3 minutes of largely aimless possession, Messi gathers the ball from Busquets. He waits, and waits, stalling until the perfect pass materialises – and there it is, as he flicks the ball through the entire defence, all of whom are moving in the other direction, and into the path of Busquets. The midfielder rolls the ball across goal to Pedro, who backheels it in. Magnificent.
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81 mins: More sorcery from Neymar and Messi, very nearly teeing up Jordi Alba, who has got forward from left-back with an ease that borders on contempt. Iraizoz, with more than a hint of irritation, hoofs the ball from whence it came.
78 mins: This game has had it all, but this would have topped the lot. Neymar, Messi and Suarez all have a hand in the build-up, before Suárez scoops the ball over the back line for Neymar. The Brazilian lobs it over the keeper, but there’s nobody in er, flourescent yellow, to finish it off. That’s it for Suárez, who is replaced by Pedro.
77 mins: Muniain, who has drifted in and out of the game today, is the forward sacrificed to repair the Athletic Bilbao back line. Carlos Gurpegi, the club captain, is in. He’s the chap who broke David Beckham’s metatarsal. Remember that?
RED CARD! Etxeita sent off for Athletic Bilbao!
That is probably that, as Etxeita takes out Suárez with an ugly challenge. Replays show that the defender clattered his studs into Suárez’s knee, with the ball long gone. Hard to judge intent in that split second, but hard to disagree with the red card. Amusingly, Etxeita is applauded off by the home fans.
74 mins: Rafinha is on, in place of Xavi, who is applauded by all sides of the crowd. Just before that happened, Jordi Alba gets into the box, but flicks a header wide from Adriano’s cross.
72 mins: Unai López has picked up a booking for the hosts, while for Barcelona, academy prospect Rafinha is ready to come on.
68 mins: Excuse me while I catch my breath. Four goals in ten minutes, there – but the deficit for Athletic remains the same. Creative midfielder Beñat is on in place of Susaeta – Valverde looking to tighten up in the middle of the park, perhaps a bit late.For Barcelona, Adriano is on for Alves.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-4 Barcelona (Aduriz)
Game on? The last ten minutes have taken the end-to-end shenanigans to new heights, and this time it’s Aduriz, who collects the ball near the right side of the area, turns and lashes a low shot beyond Bravo! This is like park football. Only better, obviously.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-4 Barcelona (Neymar)
Don’t make Barcelona angry, is the lesson here. This is devastating stuff, started by Rakitic, who had acres of space ahead of him. His through ball was good enough, but it was a flick from Messi that transformed the move, picking out Neymar on the left, who smashes the ball low into the far corner. Game over?
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GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-3 Barcelona (de Marcos OG)
That was fun while it lasted. After Rico’s goal, the midfielder scuffed another half-chance, and Barcelona broke at speed. Suárez’s lofted cross took Iraizoz out of the equation, and Messi just had to get it on target. He didn’t – but his mishit shot went in off de Marcos! Probably an own goal - Messi’s shot was going wide.
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GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Barcelona (Mikel Rico)
Game on! Moments after Susaeta wastes a free kick opportunity on the right, Athletic come at Barcelona again, and after Aduriz’s stinging shot was palmed away by Bravo, the midfielder was there to tuck the ball in.
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55 mins: Next, it’s Aduriz’s turn to shoot – but Piqué throws himself in the way! So far, 69% possession for Barcelona, but it’s 7-6 to Athletic on total shots, although four have been off target.
53 mins: Throughout this game, Athletic have sprung forward when Barcelona have looked threatening. This time, the ball falls kindly for Unai López, inside the area but to Bravo’s right. He thunks the ball wide with his right foot, to a soundtrack of assorted groans.
51 mins: Valverde makes his first change, bringing on Aurtenetxe for the booked Balenziaga. He’s involved immediately, as Suarez flicks a low ball right across the six-yard box, but Messi can’t quite reach it, under pressure from the substitute.
49 mins: A little less gung-ho from Athletic, with Ernesto Valverde dropping his back four closer to their own area than the halfway line. Aduriz continues to cause difficulties, even as largely a lone striker. The 31-year-old made his debut for Bilbao in 2002 – they lost 2-0, to Barcelona.
47 mins: Susaeta hangs a high ball towards Aduriz, who is nudged in the back by Pique. It happens on the edge of the box, but it’s neither a free kick nor a penalty - in truth, there was minimal contact. That incident aside, Pique and Mathieu have generally dealt well with Athletic’s aerial threat.
We’re back underway. No changes for either team. Forgive me for stating the obvious, but the next goal is pretty important in this one.
Half-time listening
If you don’t love the agricultural tackles and lightning counter attacks, what about Athletic’s new ground? The 53,289 capacity San Mamés was officially opened this summer, after the old ground next door (the old San Mamés) was demolished.
The Athletic Bilbao faithful have done their best to raise the roof this evening, but they haven’t quite reached the heights of this, filmed after they christened the new ground with victory against Napoli...
Half-time: Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona
A fine half of football, with chances for both teams - but Barcelona undoubtedly deserve their lead. Luis Suárez has helped his cause with a well-taken low drive, adding to Messi’s deflected opener. It could have been worse for Athletic, with Iraizoz making a spectacular save from Suárez between the two goals, although Aduriz has hit the post for the hosts.
44 mins: Alves joins Balenziaga in the book for a high tackle on Muniain. It means he’ll be suspended for Barcelona’s next league game. Despite that, with both feet off the ground, he’ll take just a booking.
42 mins: The crowd here are whistling away as Barcelona look increasingly comfortable. Messi sets Neymar away with a cute pass with the outside of his boot. The Brazilian dallies though, allowing Laporte to bundle the ball away.
40 mins: A first booking, and no surprise that it goes to an Athletic player. It’s Balenziaga, the full-back, for the latest in a series of clumsy challenges, this time on Luis Suárez. Speaking of whom, here’s John McEnerney:
As a resident of Barcelona who has to listen to “cules” 7 days a week, trust me when I tell you the fans aren’t happy with Suarez at all. Some wanted him offloaded in January. He sets up goals, his running off the ball is fantastic & they have 2 or 3 others who can score at will – but for the fans, a number 9 scores goals & that’s that.
He’s done that tonight, at least.
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38 mins: A quiet spell here, punctuated by Dani Alves hooking a cross towards Suarez, who can only head wide. We’ve had enough fun for a full 45 already, so no complaints.
35 mins: If you don’t love Athletic for their strength in the air or their all-or-nothing offside trap, how about a few meaty fouls? They are flying in everywhere, with Laporte and de Marcos the latest to irritate Barcelona with snapping tackles. It’s to little avail so far, sadly.
31 mins: Athletic Bilbao hit the post! A routine high ball causes the Barcelona back line all sorts of problems, and Aduriz nods the rebound against the left-hand post. End to end action, this.
29 mins: Should’ve been three. Athletic’s offside trap is caught again by Xavi, who glides through the defence from Messi’s through ball and rounds Iraizoz. He doesn’t have the angle, or the gumption, to swing for goal, so picks out Neymar – but Laporte is there to clear off the line!
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28 mins: How’s that high line working for you? Athletic have pressed in the opposing half, and have carved out chances – but giving Messi, Neymar and Suárez half the pitch to run into hasn’t worked out.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona (Suárez)
Barcelona counter, picking holes in Athletic’s high line at will now. Suárez feeds Messi with a slide-rule ball, then races to catch up with the Argentinean. Messi picks Suárez out with a short pass, and he buries the ball past Iraizoz!
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22 mins: As Barcelona fly forward, so space opens up for Athletic’s flying wingers, and Piqué is flummoxed by Muniain’s darting run. He hauls him down, but avoids a yellow card. From the free-kick, Bravo tips Susaeta’s curling shot away.
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21 mins: After a tough start, Barcelona are flying forward, with Xavi going close with, of all things, a diving header...
20 mins: From the corner, Neymar sets up Messi for a left-wing cross with a brilliant backheel. Messi’s delivery heads for Suarez’s forehead like a missile, and it’s surely 2-0... but Iraizoz claws out the header! That’s an extraordinary save – particularly given what happened about six minutes ago.
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18 mins: Oof! The best chance yet for Athletic, as Balenziaga’s expert cross falls at the feet of Aduriz. The big striker’s toe poke is on target, but Bravo turns it around the post!
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona (Messi)
That really was out of nowhere. Well, not quite - it came from a free kick, awarded when Muniain needlessly handled the ball 30 yards from goal. Messi’s shot from distance wasn’t up to much, hitting Laporte in the wall – but the deflection sent it just out of Iraizoz’s reach! The goalkeeper perhaps should have kept it out, but was totally off balance.
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13 mins: First hint of an opening for Barcelona, as Busquets’ long pass is flicked artistically towards Suárez by Rakitic. The Uruguayan can’t bring the ball down, however.
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11 mins: Not much to see in the last couple of minutes, save for Athletic’s relentless physicality, best summarised by de Marcos piling into a challenge on Mathieu and fortunately avoiding a booking.
8 mins: Suárez looks to have got the better of Etxeita after a pinball-esque challenge, but the ball hit his hand. Speaking of Suárez, here’s Charles Antaki:
The latitude allowed Luis Suárez by the Nou Camp crowds is extraordinary. Yes, he’s often in the right pace at the right time, and yes, he’s made the odd brilliant assist. But it’s only a few goals otherwise - had this been a misfiring Real galactico, I think we’d have been hearing a lot more grumbling. Credit to Barcelona fans’ forbearance, I suppose.
Further thoughts on Barcelona’s third-best forward are, as always, welcome.
7 mins: A first corner for Athletic finds the head of Aduriz, but the club’s top scorer can only steer his header over Bravo’s bar. An upbeat start from the hosts.
5 mins: Neymar is already fed up with the rough-housing from San José and de Marcos, and is bleating to the ref, asking for a free kick. Nothing’s given. Athletic are playing a flat back four, pushed up to almost the halfway line, in order to keep Messi, Suárez and Neymar in check. Hold on to your hats!
4 mins: First spell of possession for Barcelona, as Neymar and Alba repeatedly exchange passes on the left flank. It’s about as dangerous as it sounds, and Atlético clear.
2 mins: From the get-go, the hosts press and chase Barcelona, and cause the visiting defence a few minor concerns - but they’re able to clear the ball away.
Peep... We’re off at a leisurely pace, with Athletic’s new San Mamés stadium still filling up in places. Athletic are in red and white striped shirts, black shorts and black socks. Barcelona are decked head-to-toe in luminous yellow.
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Following yesterday’s whooping by friendly neighbours Atlético, Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been giving it the full Bobby McFerrin, telling assembled hacks not to worry about it:
“Real Madrid are better than Atlético but we have to prove it on the field,” he said. “Anyway, I think we will win the title at the end of the season. Nothing worked today. It is a day to forget. Real Madrid can never lose 4-0 against any team. The team is fine, but today we made a big mistake. These were three points that we lost. No more. Not four points.”
Good maths, Cristiano. Here’s the full story.
For the tweet-averse, here are the teams. Jeremy Mathieu returns from injury for Barcelona, with Xavi and Ivan Rakitic also coming in, and all three star forwards starting. The hosts have gone for a defensive looking line up, although Oscar de Marcos and Mikel San José are both capable of playing in midfield as well as at the back.
Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; de Marcos, Etxeita, Laporte, Balenziaga; Mikel Rico, San José, Unai López, Susaeta, Muniain; Aduriz.
Subs: Aurtenetxe, Beñat, Ibai, Iago Herrerín, Gurpegui, Aketxe, Williams
Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Piqué, Mathieu, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Rakitic; Neymar, Messi, Suárez.
Subs: Ter Stegen, Pedro, Iniesta, Rafinha, Mascherano, Bartra, Adriano.
Twenty minutes or so until kick-off. If you need another reason to stick around, Messi might do something like this again:
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Here’s tonight’s team news, brought to you by the power of social media...
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Preamble
Remember when Barcelona were in crisis? It’s just over a month since David Moyes’s Real Sociedad blew an almighty hole in their latest rebuilding project. Luis Enrique was teetering, Luis Suárez unconvincing... Lionel Messi leaving? Anything seemed possible.
Four league games later, four wins, a 16-2 goal difference, and Barcelona have the chance to climb within a point of leaders Real, who just got stuffed 4-0. By Atlético. Suddenly, everything seems (relatively) rosy in the Nou Camp once again. Regardless, Enrique will be wary of a return to the Basque Country, to play an Athletic Bilbao team that have been desperately hard to read this season.
After finishing fourth in La Liga last season, Athletic reached the Champions League group stages with a fine qualifying win over Napoli. They then proceeded to blow their chance in a forgiving group, winning just two games as they dropped into the Europa League. That at least is a tournament with happy memories for them – particularly their dismantling of Manchester United on their way to the final in 2012.
Sadly, several members of their 2012 vintage, including Fernando Llorente and midfielder Ander Herrera, have gone – and Athletic’s transfer policy dictates that only players born or trained in the Basque country can replace them. Since 2012, the club have spent barely £15 million on new signings, largely from lowly local sides; or, in short, 20% of a Luis Suárez. As a result, Athletic find themselves closer to 17th than 4th in the current table.
Despite this, it’s worth remembering that Athletic are, whatever Diego Simeone would tell you, one of Spain’s traditional big three – the trio of clubs never to have been relegated from La Liga. I’ll leave you to work out the other two. They beat Barcelona 1-0 here last season, and armed with homegrown talents like Aymeric Laporte and Susaeta, are perfectly capable of doing so again. If that happens, the unsettling calm swirling around Camp Nou will be long gone.
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