FC Barcelona did not show any weaknesses in the fight for the Spanish football championship.
The Catalans won 1-0 (1-0) at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and restored the old nine-point lead over rivals Real Madrid. The royals beat Espanyol Barcelona 3-1 (2-1) on Saturday.
Against Bilbao, top striker Robert Lewandowski returned to Barca’s starting XI after recovering from a thigh injury. Nevertheless, the favorites initially struggled, just before the break Raphinha (45 + 1) gave the visitors the lead.
In the second half, national goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen secured victory for Barcelona with several saves. The supposed equalizer from Bilbao’s Inaki Williams (87th) was disallowed after intervention by VAR due to handball.
The Catalans are now looking towards Real: Barcelona can make a preliminary decision in the title race next Sunday (9:00 p.m. / DAZN) with a victory in the Clasico against the royal team.