Athletic Bilbao 2 vs. 2 F.C. Barcelona

1-0

Great play by Susaeta out on the left flank, breezing past Mascherano who slid in. The Athletic winger squared it to Herrera on the edge of the box who was given enough time to take a touch, then curl it into the far right corner past Valdes. 

(20)

1-1

Barca hit back straight away, Abidal and Adriano were swapping from left back and left wing all game, Abidal it was who put in a good ball for Cesc to head in. 

(24)

2-1

Abidal has to take the blame for allowing Bilbao back into the lead. The ball was delivered in and the Frenchman looked too casual as he swung a leg at it. The ball sliced off his boot and flicked off Pique's shin and into the back of the net. 

(80)

2-2

Messi played the ball into Iniesta who flicked it towards Villa, it was too strong a touch and went towards Iraizoz, the Athletic 'keeper. His own player - Amorbieta got in the way and the ball fell to Messi who cooly put it in the bottom corner. 

(90+1)

The match started off slowly and neither side created many good chances. Bilbao were noticeably playing with high pressure, as a lot of teams do when playing against Barcelona. The difference today being that the Basque club were able to keep it up all game.

Barca conceded their first goal in nine games (all competitions) when Herrera curled it past Valdes. They weren't great defensively without Puyol. Mascherano seemed to drift away from centre back as you expect with the high pressure Barca play, but when you play high pressure you take a risk and leave space.

The weather was atrocious, it was pouring down the whole match. A few puddles formed in different parts of the pitch. Amorebieta tried to dribble through one, leaving the ball behind. Iniesta pounced on the ball and tried to lob the keeper to no avail. 

The last ten minutes were all Barca, Amorebieta didn't help his sides chances of keeping hold of the three points as he got sent off in the 87th minute for a second bookable offence.

Messi has broken all sorts of records; 14 hatricks, 200 goals, 1 million nutmegs all at the age of 24, but today was his first La Liga goal away from home this season - isn't he slacking!