MX23RW : Friday, March 29 07:12:17| >> :60:1246:1246:
[monks data]
Athletic Bilbao logo
La Liga
Feb 8, 2015 at 8pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

2-5

Rico (59'), Aduriz (66')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Messi (15'), Suarez (26'), De Marcos (62'), Neymar (64'), Pedro (86')

Player Ratings: Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona

Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during Barcelona's 5-2 La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona moved one point behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid with a 5-2 win over 10-man Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and Pedro were all on the scoresheet for the visitors, who scored three times in the second half.

Bilbao, whose goals came from Mikel Rico and Aritz Aduriz, finished the game with 10 men following a late red card for Spanish defender Xabier Etxeita.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual player performed during the Spanish clash.


Athletic Bilbao's defender Mikel San Jose (L) during the UEFA Champions League football match Athletic Club Bilbao vs FC Porto on November 5, 2014© Getty Images

BILBAO

Goal

Gorka Iraizoz: Conceded five times, but actually made a number of excellent saves - especially in the first period when he somehow kept Suarez out from a point-blank header. (6/10)

Defence

Oscar de Marcos: Got forward on plenty of occasions, but struggled to produce the required quality. Was also caught out of position in defensive areas too many times. (5/10)

Aymeric Laporte: The pick of his side's back four, but that is not saying much. Made a number of crucial challenges, but was pulled all over the place in the second period. (6/10)

Xabier Etxeita: Struggled to contain the Barca attack for long spells and was given his marching orders for a terrible challenge on Suarez 15 minutes from time. (4/10)

Mikel Balenziaga: Actually had a decent opening 45 minutes, but he lasted just seven minutes of the second period as Bilbao altered their formation. (6/10)

Midfield

Mikel Rico: Gave his side hope when he netted just before the hour, but it did not impact the final score. Worked hard, but needed more from those around him. (6/10)

Mikel San Jose: Has not had too much football this season and it showed. Could not deal with Barca's attack when he dropped deep to help his defence. (5/10)

Unai Lopez: Had a stunning chance to score his first senior goal early in the second period, but fired wide from close range. Will learn from these type of matches. (6/10)

Attack

Markel Susaeta: Really struggled to make an impact in wide areas. Saw plenty of the ball in the first period, but it never really happened for the Spaniard. (5/10)

Aritz Aduriz: Quite comfortably his side's best player on the night. Hit the post in the first period, but got his name on the scoresheet with a wonderful second-half finish. (7/10)

Iker Muniain: Set up Aduriz for his goal with an excellent pass, while his presence caused Barca problems. That said, needs to offer more of a goal threat himself. (6/10)

Substitutes

Jon Aurtenetxe: Made an excellent challenge on Messi to deny the Argentine a certain goal, but was then pulled all over the place in the final 30 minutes. (5/10)

Benat: Replaced Susaeta after 70 minutes, but made little impact. (5/10)

Carlos Gurpegi: Only real involvement came when he picked up a late yellow card. (5/10)


Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match against Athletic Club Bilbao on February 8, 2015© Getty Images

BARCELONA

Goal

Claudio Bravo: Might have done better with Bilbao's second, but made a couple of excellent saves. Deserves to keep his spot in the team despite conceding twice. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Alves: A little suspect defensively, but strong going forward, which is the story of the Brazilian's career, especially at Barcelona. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Made one howler in the first period, but responded to produce a towering display. Made a number of excellent challenges in the second 45 minutes. (7/10)

Jeremy Mathieu: A surprise starter at centre-back, but the Frenchman had a decent match. Tidy in possession and strong when needed in the challenge. (6/10)

Jordi Alba: Typically impressive performance from the left-back, who is now in his best form of the season. Had De Marcos on toast for long spells of the match. (7/10)

Midfield

Xavi: Turned back the years with a strong midfield performance. Helped set up a number of chances and kept things moving quickly in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Sergio Busquets: Played his part in Barca's fifth as he set up Pedro with a sweeping cross. Kept Bilbao's midfield quiet for long spells in another strong display. (7/10)

Ivan Rakitic: Was overshadowed by a number of his teammates. Did not do anything wrong, but was the quietest of Barca's midfield and attack. (6/10)

Attack

Neymar: Guilty of missing three golden chances late on, but scored his side's fourth with an excellent finish. Bilbao really struggled to deal with the in-form Brazilian. (8/10)

Luis Suarez: Missed a couple of chances early on, but found the back of the net with a sweeping effort in the first period. Linked very well with his fellow forwards. (8/10)

Lionel Messi: Played a big part in all five Barca goals - officially scoring once and setting up three. Could do no wrong at San Mames. (9/10)

Substitutes

Adriano: Delivered a couple of excellent crosses from a wide area after replacing Alves at right-back. Such a strong back-up option for the Catalan outfit. (6/10)

Rafinha: Replaced Xavi after 74 minutes and kept things ticking over in midfield. (6/10)

Pedro: Showed excellent composure to score late on and also put one on a plate for Neymar. Will there become a time where bench appearances are not enough though? (7/10)


ID:204304: cacheID:204304:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9490:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's coach Luis Enrique celebrates after a goal during the Spanish league football match FC Barcelona vs Club Atletico de Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on January 11, 2015
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Athletic Bilbao 2-5 Barcelona
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!