FC Barcelona v. Athletic Bilbao (4-0): Xavi Ball - Aubameyang Scores & Dembele Masterful Performance

The Barca Breakdown discussed the third victory in a row under the full throttle Xavi ball. Barca met Atheltic Bilbao at the Camp Nou, who knocked us out of the Copa Del Rey. Barca were also 2 games in hand and 4 points behind Betis on the table. Needless to say, this game was extremely important as Barca haven't been able to take advantage of these kinds of situations in recent history. Notable players on the pitch were Dest in place of Alba, Dani Alves as right back, and Gavi in for FDJ with Busquets and Pedri.

 

Nonetheless, Barca came out dominating possession and pressing high in Bilbao's side of the pitch. Traore was able to win a corner around the 35'. The corner comes in and Pique headers the ball off the post. Luckily, Aubameyang was in a perfect position to put the shot away. Barca take the lead and the half ends 1-0. Barca continued to play a wonderfully defensive game which kept Bilbao at bay. 

 

The game really took off offensively when Ousmane Dembele came onto the pitch with Frenkie De Jong. Not soon after Dembele puts one away with his left foot. Then Luuk De Jong and Memphis came onto the pitch. Moments later, Dembele crosses the ball and LDJ headers it, 3-0! To completely destroy Bilbao, Dembele crosses again and Depay slides in to make it 4-0. 

 

This Put Barca 1 point behind Betis with a game in hand. Barca are rising and there's plenty of room to keep climbing!