Nervy Barcelona Win over Athletic Bilbao Still Shows Signs of Progress

Across most of Spain it was a sunny, lazy Sunday, but the Basque country is different. The climate is unpredictable, often unfriendly, and this was the case on a wet and wild evening at the San Mames Stadium, with rain lashing down.

On days like these, playing at La Catedral—the Cathedral—can even be compared to the sort of challenge oft-pondered when Barcelona are mentioned in the United Kingdom.

Could the Catalans cut it on a cold night away at Stoke City? Well, this is Spain’s equivalent. And that’s before you consider the fact Athletic and the Potters both play in red and white stripes and have raucous, committed support.

Of course, Athletic usually play better football than Stoke as well as providing just as much of a physical challenge. Their high, intense press led to an enthralling encounter, which Barcelona won by a single goal, a header from Ivan Rakitic in the 21st minute.

That scoreline and the minute in which the Croatia international scored don’t tell much of the game’s story, though.

First and foremost, this was a good result for Barcelona. As mentioned by several players and coach Luis Enrique himself, playing in the San Mames is not a simple task.

“It won’t be easy. Not now. Not ever. And my players know that,” the Asturian tactician said in his pre-game press conference. And so it proved, but that doesn’t mean Barcelona need be worried.

There were nerves, sure. There often is when just one goal divides two teams, because any mistakes that lead to even half-opportunities could be fatal.

Those feelings are exacerbated when Marc-Andre ter Stegen stands between the sticks. And quite often, not between them, chasing the ball in other areas.

Athletic hounded and harried deep into Barcelona territory, pushing the Blaugrana back, but they stayed true to their philosophy. And as noted by Guardian journalist Sid Lowe, they were in a rare position where they were looking to counter-attack despite actually having plenty of possession.

In an way, Barcelona have looked for counter-attacks….through possession

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) August 28, 2016

The technical qualities of goalkeeper Ter Stegen and the defenders in front of him, allowed Barcelona to ping the ball around in tight and dangerous areas, where other sides would have been tempted to go long to clear their lines.

There was a scare early on, when a poor pass by the German goalkeeper was pounced upon by Benat. Instantly memories of Barcelona’s 4-0 defeat by Athletic here in the Spanish Super Cup last season came to mind, when the same stopper had a hellish evening. 

However, the midfielder’s rocket of a shot was straight at Ter Stegen, smashing back off the German’s chin and out to safety. Perhaps it …

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