Barcelona extend defensive record amid VAR controversy
Mar 12, 2023
Raphinha provided a match-winner for the second week running as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao in another 1-0 win, this time at San Mames on Sunday, despite some late drama as Inaki Williams had an equaliser ruled out by VAR.
Williams thought he had earned a point for the home side in the 87th minute only for his effort to be disallowed following a pitch-side review for a handball by Iker Muniain in the build-up.
Bilbao’s Yuri Berchiche and Gorka Guruzeta then had great chances to equalise in stoppage time, but Barca held on thanks to Raphinha’s ninth goal in all competitions this season.
Coach Xavi Hernandez’s side, therefore, maintain their nine-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga going into next weekend’s El Clasico at Camp Nou.
Rapid reaction
1. VAR decision earns Barcelona three vital points
There was already a fiery atmosphere at San Mames on Sunday after a week that saw Spanish prosecutors seek charges against Barcelona for trying buy favour from referees — something the club vehemently denies. In the 30th minute, Athletic fans chucked fake bank notes on to the pitch with Barca’s badge and the word “mafia” written on them and chanted, “To the second division.”
That was nothing compared to the whistles that greeted the full-time whistle after the game’s big VAR decision went against Athletic.
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Williams out-ran Barcelona onto a ball over the top and fired past Marc-Andre ter Stegen for what appeared to be a well-executed equaliser.
Nothing appeared amiss at first, but referee Gil Manzano was soon advised to review the play again. Upon review, he cancelled the goal out for a handball by Munian at the other end of the pitch in the sequence where Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong lost the ball.
Even still, Athletic could still have got a point. Berchiche and Guruzeta saw shots blocked on the line in a frenzied ending to the game. Earlier, Alex Berenguer and Raul Garcia had both hit the woodwork for Athletic Bilbao and Ter Stegen made saves on Muniain and Williams.
Manager Ernesto Valverde’s side will have to pick themselves up quickly. Athletic Club are still in the running for a European place despite a five-game winless run in all competitions and are in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey.
2. Barcelona’s clean sheets driving title charge ahead of El Clasico
There was an element of fortune to Barca’s latest clean sheet on Sunday, but their numbers over the course of the season are no fluke.
They have now had 19 shutouts in 25 league games, more than any other team from Europe’s top five leagues this season. In total, they have conceded just eight goals in LaLiga, a record low for this stage of the season in Spain’s top flight.
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This may have been their closest shave yet, though. The 15 shots Athletic mustered was the second-most Barca have allowed this season (Atletico Madrid managed 20 in January) and required goalkeeper Ter Stegen to, once again, be at his best. Ter Stegen has already matched his league-best 19 clean sheets in a single season, with 13 more matches left to play this season. Defenders Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde also made important contributions at various moments.
The clean sheets have meant Barca have not always had to excel in attack, and one goal is often enough. They have now won 1-0 nine times in LaLiga this season, and it means they will have a nine-point cushion when Madrid visit next week.
A win in the Clasico would take them within touching distance of a first league title since 2019.
3. Raphinha delivering in Dembele’s absence
Raphinha has often drawn criticism in his first season at Barcelona, but he is now regularly winning them matches.
His goal against Athletic came fresh from his winner in the 1-0 victory against Valencia last weekend. That is now five goals in his last 10 games since Ousmane Dembele got injured.
Raphinha celebrates his goal against Athletic Club at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on March 12, 2023. Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images
With Dembele out, as well as Pedri, it is Raphinha coming up with the key moments. While Robert Lewandowski missed an early one-on-one and sent a header wide later on, the Brazilian took his one big chance.
He now has nine goals and nine assists in all competitions for Barca. What’s more, he has eight goals in his last 20 games after starting the season with one goal in 17 games.
Best and worst performers
Best: Raphinha, Barcelona
The match-winner for the second week running and tireless in his defensive commitment as well.
Best: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona
The goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to earn his side all three points.
Best: Alejandro Balde, Barcelona
Dangerous in attack and alert in defence, especially when the pace Nico Williams came over to his side.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and defender Jules Kounde celebrate victory at Athletic Club at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on March 12, 2023. Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images
Worst: Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona
He took a heavy touch when played through by De Jong in the first half, wasting the chance, and then headed a Balde cross wide after the break.
Worst: Mikel Balenziaga, Athletic Club
The 35-year-old struggled at times against Raphinha and was taken off in the second half.
Worst: Iker Muniain, Athletic Club
He had an impact off the bench but saw one chance saved by Ter Stegen and it was his handball that ruled out his side’s late goal.
Highlights and notable moments
Athletic Bilbao weren’t without their chances, but you’ve got to love Gavi’s committment to his intervention in the 23rd minute.
Gavi doing whatever it takes to win the ball 😂 pic.twitter.com/I0GwVOtn4L
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 12, 2023
Now that’s using your noggin!
Anyway, you probably just want to see Raphina’s goal, right? ESPN FC’s social media accounts had the highlights in real time:
After a VAR check, Raphinha’s goal stands!
1-0 Barcelona 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IHcxXejr3Q
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 12, 2023
It did appear that Bilbao scored an equaliser, which would’ve put an end to Barcelona’s impressive defensive streak, but a lengthy VAR check resulted in the goal being overturned.
Replays showed Iker Muniain’s arm touched the ball on the play where Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong lost possession in the midfield, springing Bilbao on a counterattack the other way.
Inaki Williams’ equalizer vs. Barca was ruled out by VAR because of a handball in the build up of the goal. pic.twitter.com/8wj0cAm05z
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 12, 2023
After the match: What the managers said
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez on the result: “It is true we have to play better, but this is a difficult place to come. It’s normal to suffer at San Mames. But it’s a vital win. We knew it would be a difficult away game.”
Hernandez on the crowd’s demonstration during the game: “I respect the fans at San Mames. They have always treated me well. I was surprised at the hostile atmosphere towards Barca. It was sad to see. I don’t think it’s good for society. Everyone is free to (air their opinion) and I respect all opinions, whether I agree with it or not, but it made me sad.”
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde on the goal being overturned: “I see the images and I don’t know.
It’s a question of what is football and what is not. I think VAR is there to correct blatant mistakes. That’s why it came in. Big errors. Balls that have gone in or not. To call over the referee to see if it touches (a hand) or not… I don’t know if that belongs in the world of football. Another day it will happen to another team.”
Key stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information research)
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Barcelona’s nine wins by 1-0 this season extend the club record for most in a single LaLiga season (most by any team in a single season is 11 by 2017-18 Atlético, 2020-21 Sevilla and 1988-89 Valencia).
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This was Raphinha’s second time scoring in consecutive matches with Barcelona in all competitions. He has eight goals in his last 20 games after starting the season with one goal in 17 games.
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Raphinha’s nine goals tie his second most in a single season in his career (all competitions).
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The 15 shots by Athletic Club are tied for the second most by any team against Barcelona in LaLiga (20 by Atlético Madrid on Feb.
8 are the most). Barcelona have kept a shutout in seven of the eight games it has allowed the most shots this season in LaLiga.
8 are the most). Barcelona have kept a shutout in seven of the eight games it has allowed the most shots this season in LaLiga.Up next
Athletic Club: Bilbao head to Valladolid for a LaLiga fixture on Friday, March 17 against Real Valladolid (stream live on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET).
Barcelona: Barça have a big one next: another edition of El Clasico against rivals Real Madrid on Sunday, March 19 (stream live on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET). Although Barcelona are several points clear on top of the LaLiga table, this derby against second-place Real Madrid could have major implications in the title race.
Athletic Bilbao fans protest improper payment allegations against Barcelona during La Liga game
Bilbao fans throw fake bank notes onto the pitch against Barcelona
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
CNN
—
Athletic Bilbao fans threw fake bank notes onto the pitch inside the San Mamés Stadium to signal their displeasure with the alleged payment scandal surrounding La Liga rival Barcelona.
The two teams faced each other in the league on Sunday, two days after Barcelona had been charged by prosecutors with “continued corruption between individuals,” in addition to other charges.
Raphinha scored the only goal of the match as Barcelona won 1-0 and moved nine points clear at the top of La Liga, though the ongoing payment scandal has continued to engulf the club off the field with a number of former officials, including ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, also charged.
The Barcelona’s Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating the soccer club over allegations it made $1.
5 million in payments during a three-year period to a company owned by a then-leading official with Spain’s referee committee, the CTA.
A Barcelona source told CNN on Friday that the club did not have an official statement. Its first reaction was that the charges were to be expected after recent events and that the club would assist the investigation in any way possible.
The source also strongly denied that the club had at any time bribed a referee or tried to influence refereeing decisions.
READ: Barcelona signs Ronaldinho’s 18-year-old son João Mendes after successful trial
Raphinha scores the only goal of the game against Bilbao.
Vincent West/Reuters
Spanish lawyer Jose Maria Fuster Fabra, representing Bartomeu in this case, told CNN: “We are preparing the defense and we don’t think this case will go to trial.”
According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the accused held positions of power in the club and were aware of payments invoiced annually from January 2011 until June 2018 to two companies that Enríquez Negreira, a former vice president of the CTA and leading refereeing official in Spain, founded, which “acted on behalf and in direct benefit to Barcelona.”
CNN has contacted Negreira’s company for comment.
Responding to the hostile reception from Bilbao fans during Sunday’s game, Barcelona manager Xavi told reporters: “I respect the fans in the San Mamés, they’ve always treated me very well.
“This hostile environment towards Barcelona from the San Mamés surprises me, truthfully, and it saddens me because they’ve always treated us very well. To judge ahead of time isn’t good for society.”
Brazilian Raphinha was initially flagged offside for his goal but a VAR review overturned the decision to give Barcelona the advantage just before halftime.
Bilbao pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half and looked to have got it when Iñaki Williams fired the ball into the net, only for VAR to once again come to Barcelona’s rescue and rule out the goal for a handball in the buildup.
Xavi encourages his Barcelona team against Bilbao.
Ricardo Larreina/Shutterstock
There was more drama to come in stoppage time as Jules Koundé and Marcos Alonso both produced superb blocks in quick succession to deny Bilbao a late goal.
Barcelona faces fierce rival Real Madrid at the Nou Camp on Saturday in its next fixture.
An El Clásico victory would cement the club’s position at the top of La Liga as off the field issues continue to cast a shadow over the season.
CNN’s Ben Morse, Patrick Sung, Al Goodman and Matias Grez contributed to reporting
Athletic Bilbao – Barcelona: prediction for the match March 12, 2023 from users and experts
| 4% (54) | 14% (166) | 82% (1004) |
Athletic Bilbao
0
2
Barcelona
from
Deflorrrator
The outcome is guessed
My last prediction in favor of Barça turned out to be the most failed (against Almeria).
But this time I am sure that everything will be on our side. And so, after leaving the Eurocups, Barça has nothing more to hope for, except for La Liga, where the royal club comes on their heels. Barcelona urgently needs to score points, but the game will develop as much as possible… read more
0
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
1
2
Barcelona
from
Lera Dulova
The outcome and the difference are guessed
We are waiting for the Spanish classic. Atlético Bilbao always scores at home with a goal against leopards, and leopard got in good shape and smashes everyone, it’s hard to make an exact prediction, but I’m sure we’re waiting for obz here, you can also put 1x and 4.5m. Painfully, I believe in Atlético, at home they know how to take on an opponent. I’ll take it to the press obz, and as an ordinary 1x.
+1
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
1
Barcelona
from
t. Saakhov
Guessed account
Good afternoon. After a good start in the championship, Bilbao is limping and limping. In every third game, not a single goal is scored at all. Given that Barcelona have the best defense today, I do not expect the hosts to score in this match. Therefore, one of the possible OZ bets is not for odds. 1.86. I think that Barcelona will win with a minimum score and… read more
+4
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
1
2
Barcelona
from
Caicedo
The outcome and the difference are guessed
A very difficult match to predict due to mutual losses and disqualifications before the game.
“Basques” were very good in the first part of the season, but after the break they began to slip at a distance. As part of the Examples in 2023, the Basque team played 9 matches, in which they won only 2 victories – against the crisis Valencia, which had that … read more
+3
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
1
Barcelona
from
Yegor Khvostov
Guessed score
Very interesting odds, let’s figure out why? Immediately throws the level of the game Alethic at home. Barcelona started off really well defensively. Therefore, TM 3.5 should boldly pass. And Athletic is not a particularly riding team. My bet is 2x+TM3.5 { 1.72} Honestly, I can’t explain such a high odds for this event. Perhaps the beech knows something. Possibly 1:1
+5
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
1
Barcelona
from
Flood
Score guessed
__ The Basques are a rather uncomfortable opponent for the Catalan club.
However, the last meeting for the “Athletics” ended in crushing defeats. Things are also bad with the form: the team has not won in the last 4 meetings. __ “Barcelona” loudly ended his stay in European competition. But LaLiga is still ahead. The team is doing very well… read more
+6
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
2
Barcelona
from
Soccer365.ru
The outcome is guessed
“Athletic” is going through a difficult period: the Basques scored only one point in three games Examples with “Atletico” (0:1), “Girona” (2:3) and “Rayo Vallecano” (0:0), and also lost in the first semi-final match of the Spanish Cup with Osasuna (0:1). As a result, the team dropped to ninth place and risks being eliminated from the Spanish Cup – failures… read more
+3
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
3
Barcelona
from
Savitar1
Predicted outcome
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao.
As for me, an intriguing match is not expected here. Barcelona should return Pedri, Dembele and Lewandowski after injuries. There is also a loss – Araujo, but this particular match will not prevent Barca from taking 3 points. The Catalans were not in the best mood after leaving the LE and losing to Almeria, but the victory … read more
+1
1 month ago
Athletic Bilbao
1
2
Barcelona
from
Senik
Guessed the outcome and the difference
In the 25th round of La Liga we will have a very interesting match between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao in San Mames! The teams are not in the best shape for this match. Barcelona have injured key players, and Ronald Araujo is suspended altogether. I think the native walls will help Athletic to excel, but Barca is wearing something to answer.
Moreover, in the last game on … read more
+2
2 months ago
Athletic Bilbao
0
2
Barcelona
from
TvalviZ
The outcome is guessed
Example, round 25, Athletic Bilbao – Barcelona. The game will take place at the San Mames stadium. Athletic Bilbao is doing quite well this season. The team with 33 points takes 8th place and is fighting hard for the Eurocups. In the Copa del Rey, the Lions are in the semi-final stage, where they are waiting for the second leg against Osasuna, scheduled for April 5… read more
+13
2 months ago
Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao, 10 Nov. 1946 – LaLiga – Match sheet
Table LaLiga
| # | Club(s) | Matches | +/- | Glasses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valencia | 26 | 20 | : | |
| 2 | Athletic | 26 | 34 | : | |
| 3 |
Atl.
| ||||