A late VAR decision allowed Barcelona to hold on to a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, as Raphinha continued his stellar play to reestablish the Blaugrana’s nine-point advantage atop the table.
A spectacular equalizer from Inaki Williams appeared to have given Barca a run for their money, but it was overturned for handball, and Xavi’s team just held on under heavy pressure.
Although having to endure adversity in the first half as well, the visitors capitalized on their survival when the in-form Raphinha scored right before the break.
Athletic had more late chances after Williams’ goal was disallowed, but their efforts were in vain as Barca defeated former coach Ernesto Valverde.’
FULL TIME!!!!!!!!! #AthleticBarça pic.twitter.com/YXITJ8VQyK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 12, 2023
The Blaugrana were fortunate to come through Athletic’s promising first-half spell.
Alex Berenguer prodded just off target after Jules Kounde misjudged the bounce of the ball and Marc-Andre ter Stegen came to the rescue a few minutes later, turning Williams’ strike around the post.
Raul Garcia’s diving header from the resulting corner hit the crossbar and Barca capitalised just before the break.
Sergio Busquets cleverly sidestepped a defender and found Raphinha in the right side of the box, with the Brazilian firing into the bottom-far corner.
A generally cagier second half came to life in the final 20 minutes.
After Berenguer hit the post, Williams had seemingly secured Athletic a point with an emphatic finish having been played through on goal, only for it to be wiped out for handball by Iker Muniain in the build-up.
Nico Williams then failed to convert a tap-in, and Yuri Berchiche saw his follow-up cleared off the line as Barca somehow escaped San Mames with the points.