Barcelona were made to work hard for a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in a rain-drenched encounter at the San Mamés which saw both teams finish with 10 men.
Barça's task became considerably easier as Fernando Amorebieta was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes for a lunging challenge on Andrés Iniesta.
The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Seydou Keita poked the ball past Gorka Iraizoz after being played in by David Villa.
Xavi's deflected shot increased Barcelona's lead on 74 minutes before Villa saw red four minutes from time for pushing Carlos Gurpegui in the face during an altercation.
Bilbao rallied and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when Igor Gabilondo scrambled home a minute from time, but Sergio Busquets sealed the win for Barcelona with a rare goal at the death.
Related links:
Also see:
Barça's task became considerably easier as Fernando Amorebieta was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes for a lunging challenge on Andrés Iniesta.
The deadlock was broken in the 54th minute when Seydou Keita poked the ball past Gorka Iraizoz after being played in by David Villa.
Xavi's deflected shot increased Barcelona's lead on 74 minutes before Villa saw red four minutes from time for pushing Carlos Gurpegui in the face during an altercation.
Bilbao rallied and pulled a goal back in the 90th minute when Igor Gabilondo scrambled home a minute from time, but Sergio Busquets sealed the win for Barcelona with a rare goal at the death.
Don't forget to check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more soccer updates!
Related links:
Also see:
