Barcelona missed a crucial opportunity to capitalise on La Liga standings, settling for a goalless draw against a resolute Athletic Bilbao side.
Despite Girona’s loss at Mallorca, Barcelona’s failure to secure a win means they remain in third place in the league table.
Athletic Bilbao implemented a solid defensive strategy from the start, effectively neutralising Barcelona’s attacking threats and aiming to exploit opportunities on the counter.
Joao Cancelo came closest to breaking the deadlock with a powerful 40-yard effort, only to be denied by Athletic’s Yeray Alvarez, who cleared the ball off the line.
A victory would have propelled them to second place, given Girona’s defeat, but Bilbao’s well-executed defensive game plan thwarted the visitors’ attempts.
Despite controlling possession, the visiting side struggled to create clear openings, and Athletic Bilbao, though limiting their attacking chances, couldn’t capitalise on counterattacks.
