Barcelona 2-1 Athletic Bilbao - Five Talking Points

After losing 3 consecutive matches for the first time in over a decade - which virtually ended the chances of winning any silverware this season - Barcelona came out on top of the braveLos Leonesat the end of a hard fought 90 minutes at Camp Nou.Though this win gives Barcelona practically nothing more than a chance to hold on to the title race, there are a lot of positives to take away for the depressedCatalans.Let us see the five important things we learnt.

#1 It is late but great from Barca

Martino’s men looked too motivated to lose the match, a quality which was found missing in the key stages of the season as analyzed in my previous piece. Today, Barcelona were not a side that was a shadow of their former self. The reigning Spanish champions reminded us of Barca under Pep when every player was committed and hungry to win the match.

If not for numerous missed chances which depicts the lack of confidence in the side, Barcelona would have wrapped up the game much earlier. The fluidity, urgency and incisiveness in midfield and attack left Bilbao’s pressing ineffective. The useless and countless crosses by Alves in to the box which made fans go mad in the recent games were not seen. Passing was more lively and purposeful. The players combined well with some skillful moves and one-twos.

The full backs were very much under control- falling back constantly when not in possession and helping the attack when needed. Defense was not as bad either, with entire team helping the back four by working as a unit and pressing hard.

#2 How good is Aymeric Laporte, the defender in Barcas radar?

The French defender might be just 19, but only two players have started more matches than Laporte in his first season as regular for the club.

Laporte has been rumored to be heading to Camp Nou at the end of the season. His strength, aerial ability, pace and composure in passing definitely leaves many clubs across the globe craving for him.

Once again, the young defender proved to be of high quality when he made a last ditch tackle to stop Lionel Messi and also kept a good check of the little magician on most of the occasions. After all, not many defenders in the world can single-handedly do that.

One thing is clear, Laporte is a quality defender in the making.

#3 Is Martinos successor found?

Athletic Bilbao has made life difficult for almost every team facing them this season. Strikingly, they moved to 4th place in the league as against 12th in the last season, thanks to the managing brilliance of Ernesto Valverde.

The new Bilbao boss organized the defence so well by still maintaining the attacking danger his side possesses. Valverde is former Barcelona player and team mate of Barca’s sporting director Zubizarreta.

With reports linking the retired Spanish forward to the Catalan side, Valverde has made a decent claim to be Martino’s successor through his team’s brave performance at Camp Nou. It will be no surprise to see him take charge of the talented Barcelona side next term and pull out impressive results.

#4 Pedro and Alexis prove Martino wrong, yet again

This is not the first time Pedro and Alexis proved Martino’s tactics and selection to be wrong. With Neymar sidelined due to injury and Cesc Fabregas out of form, Martino opted for both Pedro and Alexis to start the game. The duo once again shined by combining well to equalize with about 20 minutes left.

It was not just about the goal but both players looked very sharp in attack, helpful in defence, committed through out and played a major role in maintaining the much needed tempo that was absent in the last three forgettable games for the club.

Moreover, with Neymar yet to adapt to the team, Pedro and Alexis ensure a lot of security, combination and penetration in the attack. It is pity that both the forwards who are arguably in the best form of their lives for the club were not given enough chances to help the team in big matches.

#5 Alex Song is not bad after all

The former Arsenal man had to warm the bench for most of the time after signing for the club two years ago, with Busquets being first choice defensive midfielder for Barcelona

However, the Cameroon International was very much instrumental in attack for the Catalans today. Alex Song’s fast approach to the game helped Barca maintain the pace while his work rate, strength and speed meant that his presence was felt in the defence. Unlike many other games, Song distributed the ball so well all across the field and acted as a good link between defence and attack for Barca’s build up play.

Surely, he will be of great help to the team next season, if the transfer ban is not overturned or suspended.