FC Barcelona escapes points loss at Athletic in closing stages
NOS Soccer–
FC Barcelona escaped point loss in the Spanish soccer league. Coach Xavi’s team won Sunday night’s away match against Athletic Club 1-0.
Athletic equalized in the closing stages, but that goal was disallowed after the video referee intervened because substitute Iker Muniain made hands in a duel with Frenkie de Jong. Even after that, Athletic still had chances.
Barcelona’s goal shortly before halftime came courtesy of Raphinha. The Brazilian shot diagonally: 0-1.
Increasingly difficult
Things have been more difficult at Barcelona in recent weeks than earlier this season. Last weekend, the leaders also won 1-0, against Valencia. Barcelona, which has only conceded eight goals this season, maintains a nine-point lead over first pursuer Real Madrid.
Next weekend, the two superpowers play each other, at Camp Nou.
