Pressure? What Pressure! After a lame draw last week against Sporting Gijon and their shock defeat away to Arsenal in the Champions League there has been talk of a crisis entering the Camp Nou. Last nights win for Real Madrid against Levante had cut the once seven point lead down to two, and Atheltic Bilbao were coming to down; a no-nonsense outfit who are occupying fifth place in La Liga.
Barcelona Vs Athletic Bilbao: David Villa Scores After Three Minutes
Add into the mixer, Sergio Busquets starting at centre-back, facing the man-mountain that is Fernando Llorente and Pinto in goal (Victor Valdes injured), you could have been forgiven for thinking tonight could be a long night for Guardiolas side. Well, we would have been wrong. They have begun this match with a bang, controlling possession in their customary manner and already in the lead through David Villas third minute strike.
A typically accurate Xavi pass set Dani Alves free and instead of shooting, the Brazilian laid the ball back for Villa, who fired in past Iraizoz. Athletic Bilbao have hardly had time to get into their stride and they already find themselves behind.
TEAMS:
Barcelona: Pinto, Alves, Piqué, Busquets, Abidal; Mascherano, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi and Villa
Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; Iraola, Ekiza, Amorebieta, Koikili; Susaeta, Javi Martínez, Gurpegi, Gabilondo; Iturraspe and Llorente
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