IN SPORT.ES
Barcelona’s winless run extended to three games as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Lionel Messi’s introduction changed the game, with the Argentine setting up Munir El Haddadi to salave a point late on.
Athletic had taken a first half lead through Oscar De Marcos after Ernesto Valverde had rested Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Both players were brought on before the hour mark, though, with Messi in particular helping Barca get back in the game.
The Argentine had a shot off the post and a free-kick off the line before he set up Munir’s 84th minute equaliser.
It was a point saved but it’s seven dropped in six days for Valverde and his players, who drew with Girona last Sunday and lost to Leganes on Wednesday.
Next up is Tottenham at Wembley in the Champions League and Barca will have to be much better if they don’t want to get back to winning ways.
Philippe Coutinho had an early penalty shout turned down before Luis Suarez sent a free kick just wide.
Athletic threatened, too. Iñaki Williams lobbed just wide and Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved from Raul Garcia.
Arturo Vidal then snuffed out a Williams chance before setting up a great opportunity for Suarez, whose shot was straight at Unai Simon.
Simon again denied Suarez after good work from Ousmane Dembele.
Athletic then took the lead when Markel Susaeta was given all the time to pick out De Marcos, who turned home after being played onside by Gerard Pique.
Coutinho hit the bar after the break before Messi was introduced, swinging the game in Barca’s favour.
He saw a free kick cleared off the line by De Marcos before hitting the post after exchanging passes with Jordi Alba.
Messi then had another shot fizz wide and another saved by Unai. However, he gathered up the rebound to set up Munir.
Suarez then had a goal ruled out for offside before Rakitic, set up by Messi, missed a golden chance to win it for Barcelona in stoppage time.