Lionel Messi smashed in a superb free kick as Barcelona forced to come from behind to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat, eventually beating Athletic Bilbao 2-1 at the Camp Nou on Sunday night.
The hosts were enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the opening period and scored twice in quick succession in the 14th minute as first Pedro and then Lionel Messi were both denied by Gorka Iraizoz in the Bilbao goal.
Aritz Aduriz fired fourth-placed Bilbao ahead five minutes into the second half but two goals in the space of two minutes – from Pedro Rodriguez (72) and Lionel Messi (74) turned the match around and gave the Catalans a critical three points.
The victory saw Barca climbed into second but still have a four-point gap to close on leaders Atletico Madrid, two ahead of Real, who have a game in hand while Bilbao are a further 17 points behind Real and remain well placed to secure a berth in Champions League qualifying for next season.
Match facts
Barcelona: Pinto; Alves, Mascherano, Bartra, Adriano; Xavi (Fabregas 70), Song, Iniesta; Alexis (Tello 86), Messi, Pedro
Subs not used: Oier, Montoya, Sergi Gómez, Sergi Roberto, Afellay.
Goals: Pedro 72, Messi 74
Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; De Marcos, San José, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe (Benat 83), Erik Moran (Mikel Rico 65), Herrera; Susaeta (Toquero 85), Aduriz, Muniain
Subs not used: Iago, Albizua, Iraola, Etxeia.
Goals: Aduriz 50
Attendance: 57,090
Source: Sokkaa