Barcelona get a D as Messi needed to save them from Bilbao defeat

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  • Barcelona came from behind to salvage a point against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as second half substitute Munir El Haddadi cancelled out Oscar De Marcos’ opener.

    The hosts went behind just before half-time when Markel Susaeta crossed perfectly for De Marcos to finish at the far post unmarked.

    Lionel Messi began on the bench but with Barca heading for a second La Liga defeat in four days, he was summoned in the 55th minute.

    The Argentine doubled his side’s threat in the final third and provided the assist for Munir.

    Here is our report card from the clash.

    30 SECOND-REPORT

    Ernesto Valverde made a bold call by leaving Messi out of the starting XI ahead of the Champions League clash away to Tottenham. However, the Argentine was sorely missed as Barcelona often found themselves short of ideas in the final third.

    Luis Suarez put in a fighting display and almost single-handedly conjured opportunities for the hosts but with little support to feed off, his efforts were in vain.

    Bilbao got their game plan spot on as they closed down Barca, putting them under pressure and then using their pace in attack along with plenty of guile in midfield to offer a substantial threat going forward.

    The home team came back into the contest with the clock running down. Messi’s introduction was a turning point as it put Bilbao on the back foot. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s impact was evident as he eventually set up the equaliser to rescue a point.

    Oscar De Marcos (3L) celebrates scoring the opening goal

    Oscar De Marcos (3L) celebrates scoring the opening goal

    THE GOOD

    Suarez sharpness – With Messi starting on the bench, Suarez stepped up as the chief creator. The Uruguayan looked sharp throughout and was involved in all four of his side’s chances during the first half. He went agonisingly close with a terrific free-kick, was denied by Unai Simon when played clean through, forced the keeper into another good save from a tight angle and served up a delicious cross only for Coutinho to disappoint with a weak header from close range.

    Organisation – Credit to Eduardo Berizzo for setting his side up perfectly. They suffocated Barcelona’s attempts to play out from the back with the front four initiating a high-press. However, when the first line of the press was breached, they worked hard to get back in numbers, with the two holding midfielders dropping deep, forming a low block along with the deep line of four at the back. This frustrated Barca in possession, as they struggled to break through.

    THE BAD

    Pique’s ‘defending’ – It was pretty obvious that Inaki Williams had Gerard Pique beaten for pace – or at least it was for everyone but the centre-back. The Catalan needed to be more wary of the forward but was repeatedly caught out as he consistently ran off the back of him. Pique was culpable for the goal as well, oblivious to the line held by the rest of the defence, he was about two yards too deep, playing De Marcos onside.

    Retreating – If we’re being hypercritical, Bilbao could be faulted for sitting deeper and deeper as the second half progressed. Particularly when Messi was introduced, the visitors grew more cautious but that only invited pressure with the Argentine enjoying space ahead of the defence in the final third to wreak havoc. That’s precisely how they ended up conceding the equaliser.

    Luis Suarez (L) and Gerard Pique

    Luis Suarez (L) and Gerard Pique

    TACTICAL TURNING POINT

    Valverde’s substitutions – Sergi Roberto struggled to direct play the way a certain Sergio Busquets does and once the veteran came off the bench, Barcelona immediately seemed to operate 15 yards further up the pitch. Throw Messi into that equation and it’s a formula for goals, or chances at the very least. The Argentine’s threat saw the visitors back off and the Catalans were able to camp in the final third, coming close to a goal a couple of times before Messi forced an equaliser with his ball across for Munir.

    VERDICTS 

    ATHLETIC BILBAO: B

    A valiant display from the visitors. Their tactics were aimed at exploiting Barca’s weaknesses. They were guilty of retreating but, away at Camp Nou, the instinct to protect a lead is only natural.

    BARCELONA: D

    Several questions were asked of Barcelona following their shock 2-1 defeat away to Leganes in midweek and this performance provided no answers. Instead, criticisms of a floundering defence, directionless midfield and reliance on Messi were only legitimised.

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