da aviator aposta： Xavi's side missed the chance to force themselves back into the Liga title race on a night where they lost two key midfielders
da dobrowin： This could have been Barcelona's chance. After Real Madrid dropped points in Valencia on Saturday, and Girona lost to Mallorca earlier on Sunday, Xavi's side had a slither of opportunity to creep their way back into La Liga's title race as they travelled to Bilbao to face Athletic Club. But they let those hopes slip again, as they were forced to settle for a drab goalless draw while injuries piled up once again.
Joao Cancelo came closest to breaking the deadlock for Barcelona early on, as his audacious long-range lob was hooked off the line by Yeray Alvarez. The Blaugrana endured an otherwise miserable first half, as Frenkie de Jong and Pedri were both forced off with injuries before the break.
Barca weren't much better after half-time, as while Xavi's side enjoyed the majority of possession, they had little to show for it. Even the usually electric Lamine Yamal looked lacking in ideas on the right-wing – a half-baked penalty shout serving as his only real action.
By the end of it all, Xavi was left watching a team that could never quite piece anything together. Barca could have crept back into the title race here; instead, they fell flat, which has been much the story of their season to date.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from San Mames…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Marc-Andre ter Stegen (6/10):
Had two saves to make, and made them both. Otherwise had little to do.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Excelled in some of his one-on-one defending, and kept Inaki Williams quiet. Could have done with getting forward a bit more.
Pau Cubarsi (7/10):
Another impressive showing at the back from the teenager. He flew into a few tackles, but some of his passing was outrageous.
Ronald Araujo (6/10):
Made an impressive clearance in the first half to keep Williams out. He's formed a steady partnership with Cubarsi.
Joao Cancelo (4/10):
An audacious effort in the first half almost gave Barca the lead. He was otherwise lacking in key areas, and could have been far sharper in the final third.
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Andreas Christensen (6/10):
Tidy at the base of midfield, even if he was rather limited in his passing.
Frenkie de Jong (5/10):
An impressive opening before being going down with an ankle injury. Looked a nasty one.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Played a bit of everywhere. Started as a No.10 but forced to drop deeper due to injuries, and really put in a shift wherever he was asked.
Pedri (5/10):
A few bright moments before being forced off with yet another injury on the brink of half-time. Cannot catch a break.
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Raphinha (4/10):
Poor on the right wing in the first half, and not much better when he switched to the left after the break.
Robert Lewandowski (4/10):
Drifted constantly in an effort to get involved, but didn't get the service he needed. Looks frustrated.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Fermin Lopez (5/10):
Brought on for De Jong. Lacking in midfield quality.
Lamine Yamal (7/10):
Introduced at the end of the first half for the injured Pedri. Direct on the wing, and looked to make things happen.
Joao Felix (5/10):
A late, and ineffective, cameo.
Inigo Martinez (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Oriol Romeu (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Xavi (5/10):
Made some interesting moves, including benching Yamal and sticking with Cubarsi. He endured a miserable first half, as two key players were sidelined with injuries. The second wasn't much better, as Barca were lifeless. Not a night to remember in a season to forget.