Barcelona drew for the third match in a row on Sunday, as Athletic Bilbao claimed a 0-0 draw against them at San Mames.
2018/2019 La Liga
0-0
Match Report
Lionel Messi's return to the starting line-up was not enough to prevent Barcelona drawing a third successive match across all competitions, as Athletic Bilbao held out for a 0-0 stalemate at San Mames in LaLiga.
Argentina superstar Messi was only named among the substitutes for Wednesday's 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Real Madrid having struggled with a thigh injury and he looked a little off colour as Barca end the weekend just six points clear of Los Blancos in second.
Athletic edged an entertaining first half and went close on a couple of occasions, while Barca appeared to be missing the talents of Arthur in midfield – Arturo Vidal failing to impress in a similar role to the injured Brazilian, who faces a month out.
Ernesto Valverde's side had little luck creating clear-cut opportunities in the second half - albeit Nelson Semedo was contentiously denied a last-gasp penalty – and could have even have lost as Athletic, who had Oscar De Marcos sent off for a second bookable offence in injury-time, went close twice late on.
Player Ratings
Match Events
17' GREAT SAVE! Susaeta's shot saved by Ter Stegen
SAVE!!!! Ter Stegen pulls off a fabulous save after Susaeta tries his luck from the edge of the box. The midfielder spins onto his left foot before aiming for the far corner but the keeper tips the ball over the bar.
26' CHANCE! Messi's shot wide out
Messi plays in Semedo before latching onto the rebound and trying a chip. He clips the top of the crossbar but the referee pulls him up for offside!
41' CLOSE! Garcia's shot wide out
WIDE!!!! Bilbao work the ball down the right wing before Susaeta picks out Raul Garcia at the back post. The midfielder has time to bring the ball under control, but he can only fire wide. He is adamant his effort took a deflection but a goal kick is given.
65' CLOSE! Jose's shot wide out
WIDE - After absorbing another Barcelona attack, Bilbao burst forward with Yuri. The winger turns inside from the touchline and picks out San Jose who glides into the path of the pass and shoots. His effort looks destined for the far corner, but he curls it just wide!
82' SAVE! Ter Stegen denies Williams' shot
CHANCE!!!! Muniain bursts into the Barcelona box before picking out Williams. The striker takes a touch before setting himself, but Ter Stegen stays big and palms his effort away. That was a huge moment in this game!
Line-ups
Athletic Club XI: R.García, Susaeta, Beñat, Balenziaga, Iago Herrerín, De Marcos, Berchiche, I.Martínez, D.García, Y.Álvarez, I.Williams
Subs: San José, Muniain, Ibai, Kodro, Unai Simón, Núñez, Córdoba
Barcelona XI: L. Messi, L. Suárez, Piqué, I. Rakitić, Vidal, Sergio Busquets, Philippe Coutinho, M. ter Stegen, S.Roberto, Lenglet, Semedo
Subs: Prince, T. Vermaelen, Jeison Murillo, Carles Aleñá, O. Dembélé, Malcom, Iñaki Peña