Messi Completes Crush On Bilbao

Lionel Messi scores revenge goal against Bilbao (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann completed Barcelona's grudge against Athletic Bilbao when Las Blaugranas beat their guests 2-1 in Week 21 of the Spanish League at the Camp Nou Stadium, Sunday local time (Monday WIB).

Messi, who was rewarded with a red card when Barcelona beat Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup final, did his best by taking the hosts' lead with his signature free kick in the 20th minute.

Barcelona failed to increase their lead until halftime due to their sluggish finish and it looked like it would pay a fortune as four minutes into the second half Bilbao were able to equalize due to Jordi Alba's goal.

Alba tried to clear a dangerous cross from Raul Garcia's post at the far post, but instead he chipped the ball into Barcelona's own goal, burying Ronald Koeman's side's lead.

Barcelona almost restored their lead in the 58th minute when Griezmann sent in a cross which was met by Miralem Pjanic's header, but goalkeeper Unai Simon was able to secure the net.

Then in the 69th minute Ousmane Dembele was furious because referee Antonio Miguel and VAR ignored his protests after he was brought down by Iker Muniain in the Bilbao penalty box.

Barcelona's hard work finally paid off five minutes later when Griezmann met Oscar Mingueza's tug of war with a fierce shot without giving Simon a chance to head off and the hosts took a 2-1 lead again.

The position lasted after the remaining time had passed without any meaningful opportunities from the two teams and Barcelona pushed their way up to second place, displacing Real Madrid with the advantage on goal difference despite both teams collecting 40 points.

Meanwhile, Bilbao (24), who have now played eight games away in a row, have not tasted victory, slipped to 11th, according to the official Spanish League page.

In the next match Bilbao will play on Saturday, February 6 to host Valencia at San Mames, while Barca only appeared a day ago at Real Betis headquarters.

However, before that the two teams will play the Copa del Rey quarter-final, when Barcelona visit Granada's home on Wednesday (3/2) and a day later Bilbao visit Betis headquarters.