Sumptuous Yamal strike gives Barca win in Bilbao and four-point lead

BILBAO, Spain, March 7 : Barcelona's Lamine Yamal struck a superb second-half winner to earn his side a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, leaving the champions four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

In the wake of Barca's Spanish Cup semi-final exit against visitors Atletico Madrid on Thursday, and with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at Newcastle United, coach Hansi Flick shuffled his pack and watched his side labour through a disjointed first half in Bilbao.

Athletic created the better chances but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who produced a string of fine saves to help the visitors stay on level terms and underlined his growing importance this season.

Flick introduced Raphinha, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski midway through the second half and the breakthrough came in the 68th minute. Pedri released Yamal inside the box running from the right channel and the 18-year-old curled a left-footed shot into the top corner to silence the home crowd.

Barcelona top the standings with 67 points after 27 games ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who won 2-1 at Celta Vigo on Friday, while Athletic are ninth with 35 points.

"We were just about ready for the match after the effort the other day against Atletico but we managed to take the three points and we're ready for Tuesday, that's what matters," Pedri told Movistar Plus.

"It was a very, very important victory earned at a hard place to play at. They put a lot of pressure on you.

"We were very tired and these are important points to keep going. We have to keep adjusting things for Tuesday, because today we didn't drive at a good pace."

In a sluggish first-half, Barca failed to test Unai Simon before halftime