Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona

27/1- As the league proceeds into the second half of the season Barcelona are getting desperate to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid. With a difference of 7 points between them, time is running out for the second placed team. As they travel to take on Athletic Bilbao they would be hoping to continue the winning streak, they have won their last three matches and all have been quite convincing as well. While Athletic have been a mixed bag team, placed 15^th on the points table they are level on points with many teams and are out of the relegation zone only because of a better goal difference. In the past matches between the clubs, Barcelona are the clear dominators and they have won 18 of their last 29 meets, while 5 matches have been drawn. While playing in Athletic Bilbao’s home ground the record is even better for Barca.

Barcelona are undoubtedly the second best team in the competition this season and they are surely lacking the magic of Ronaldinho. They are going through a very good phase currently and looked good when they beat Racing Santander, 1-0, at home last week to register a third continuous victory. Lionel Messi has been their best player this season but he is out due to injury but the presence on Henry and Ronaldinho has kept the team at the second place. The only thing on their mind would be a full three points and they would also be hoping that Real Madrid have a slip and they can catch up before it becomes too late.

Athletic Bilbao would not rejoice facing Barca at this stage of the competition when they are fighting for their own survival and a big loss could mean a push down in the relegation zone. A point from this home tie would be highly satisfying for the side but as of now it looks unlikely.

Prediction: 0-2, Barcelona win