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Athletic has shown improvement, but it has not been enough to defeat leader Barcelona (0-1)

The red-whites have given everything on the field and the game has seen the flame they missed in other games, but they have not yet been able to beat the League leader.

BILBAO, 07/03/2026.- El centrocampista del Athletic Club de Bilbao Mikel Jauregizar (c) juega el balón ante el centrocampista del Barcelona Marc Casadó (d), durante el partido de LaLiga en Primera División que disputan este sábado en el estadio de San Mamés, en Bilbao. EFE/Javier Zorrilla

EITB

2026/03/07 - 23:14

Updated

2026/03/07 - 23:14

Athletic lost 0-1 to FC Barcelona this Saturday in the match corresponding to the 27th day of the EA Sports Leagueplayed in San Mamés. The red-whites have given everything on the field and the match has seen the flame missing in other matches, but they have not yet been able to beat the League leader.

Almost immediately after the start of the game , Barcelona was about to score on its own doorstep when Eric Garcia went to stop the ball and drove it to its longline. Shortly after , Iñaki received a big center, but failed to hit his head and missed a great opportunity.

At 10 minutes, Unai Gomez was hit hard in the knee and had to leave the injured field, leaving Robert Navarro instead.

Athletic has read the opponent's game well and has shown solidity in defense by cutting back the game of the most skilled rivals and looking for speed in the counter-attack, so he has continued the game with the same intensity but with less danger.

In those minutes Selton Sancheztouched the clearest occasions, but in the first he was out of play and in the second the goalkeeper Joan Garcia was careful to spoil the goal opportunity. Iñaki and Navarro also had two opportunities to score, but in both cases they were out of play.

In the second half the Athletic bet on the attack, keeping the pressure high, and creating difficulties for Barcelona. The clearest occasion for the locals until then came in the 55th minute with a shot from Sancet , but the goalkeeper caught the ball easily.

Athletic endured well in defense, especially because of Vivian's good performance, but after the hour, Lamine Yamal crossed the ball from the right band and scored a spectacular goal from the second stick, unstoppable for Unai Simon (0-1).

Valverde has thrown Vesga, Sancet, Guruzeta and Eder Garcia into the field, looking for freshness to turn the situation around. The red-whites have tried everything to find the goal, but it has not been possible. Lamin's goal has been decisive and Athletic has left the game without points.