FC Barcelona - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 4-0 away to an FC Barcelona side on the rise. The goals came via Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ousmane Dembélé, Luuk de Jong and Memphis.

The Lions had made seven changes compared to the starting XI that beat Real Sociedad a week earlier. The fact Athletic only have 72 hours rest before Wednesday’s Copa clash forced them to do so.

The match was fairly even until the final stretch, three of Barça’s goal coming in the last 20 minutes. In the first half, there was little to separate the teams until Gerard Pique headed against the crossbar from a corner and Aubameyang was alert enough to finish from the rebound.

Oier Zarraga and Mikel Vesga had threatened, while at the other end Gavi went close after being played through by Ferran Torres.

Iñigo Martínez and Oihan Sancet came off the bench and Athletic were in the game after the break. The Lions pressed high and were lively up top, but struggled to find a breakthrough.

In the 63rd minute, Ferran Torres forced into a fine save from Unai Simón, but Dembélé’s goal was enough to dispel any hopes of a point for Los Rojiblancos. Luuk de Jong got their third with a header and Memphis rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

There is no time to rest for Marcelino’s Lions, who will now start preparing for Wednesday’s Copa clash at Mestalla as they look to reach the final for a third year in a row.