What the f*** happened? We actually got a penalty!!!

One comment about Tello's performance as a starter. I thought that partly he wasn't as effective because Messi chose to ignore him quite a few times when slipping the ball to him most likely would've resulted in a goal. Tello was making great runs as he's done so far, but if you don't get the ball in those situations there's not much you can do.

the save of Messis freekick was top top class

Was really looking forward to this match to see how a club that played EPL's reigning champions and leaders off the pitch (as well as having a great game away at Schalke) would do against Barca. Well... Barca did to them what they did to those other teams proving once again just how ahead they are of the competition. Final attempts at goal were 20-4 & Barca was never really threatened throughout the match & looked fully in control.

Moment of the Match: Pique offside!

Pique's best game since Shakira came into the picture..

Let me just say that Bilbao deserve an ovation for the willingness to bring it to Barça. Unlike Milan, who just parked the bus, Bilbao were fearless and daring to spread out and take the risk of losing possession in order to create.

On the other hand, one of the things that bugged from watching this match, and as a Barça supporter, is the lack of trust from Messi to Tello. It was as clear as day. In three occasions Tello was open to help Messi out escape the 3 man pressure, yet he opted to ignore Tello and go for the individual play. I understand the situation that arose at San Siro may have created some conflict between but that s**t needed to be left at San Siro. Furthermore, Messi needs to understand that he too has a role to play in stewarding the new generations at Barça. His role should be to support and help the youngsters improve on their errors, not ignore team mates on the pitch, specially one that has been prolific and shows promise of being a reliable goal scorer.
So I have to say that the lack of leadership displayed by Messi part is disappointing albeit his goal and assist.
Hopefully I am just blowing this out of proportion, but this is what could tell from watching the match. Anyway, Moving on.

Thiago and Sanchez had a magnificent game. I thought Thiago feet were made of silk or satin. Brilliant control and passing. Sanchez was impressively imaginative with the ball.
But it was Pep's tactics made the whole difference. He knew that Bielsa would take it to them and Face them hombre a hombre. What did Pep chose to do? Bring the central defenders as far up as goal to unbalance the fierce Bilbao man-to-man mark. El Jefecito and Pique were just superb. We got to see some glimpses of Pique's past as a foward and was so close to scoring. But Mascherano stood out for me. He was just all over the mid, making those runs, stealing the ball back and distributing like a boss(ok a little boss). My MOTM.

Once Muniain and Llorente came in, Bilbao's game gained more flow and creativity. I am blown away by Munian dribble and passing. He got me wondering if bigger (not better) clubs with deeper pockets have expressed interest in bagging him. Well lets hope both Llorente and Muniain ignore the money a bit longer and just be the warriors that Bielsa needs.

On the penalty call, it was a clear fabrication from Tello. Tello slowed down, Martinez made contact and Tello,making the most of it, collapsed as a if he had been hit by a bulldozer. Pathetic. Lets hope he is not one of those.

To leave in a more positive mark, this was a very entertaining match and a great prelude for a now much more anticipated Copa Final. With a rested Bilbao, Barça will not have so easy.

Let me just say that, for it not been marred by Tello's diving, this would of been a perfect match. The quality of football displayed by both sides was amazing. So today not only was Barça victorious, but football as well.

Hoy ganó el futbol.

nice dive! absolutely professional...

We all worry about players diving for the penalty and making a fuss out of it sometimes. But if you were the one playing, wouldn't you want to win the penalty for the sake of scoring? It's not that he's trying to play dirty, he's just doing what everyone else would want which is to get a goal. Now if someone overreacts for a penalty then that's different but hey, they're paid to win.

P.S. Just what i think. Please don't hate on me. :D

Athletico looked abit jaded nonetheless well deserved victory for barca.

I love how Messi still scores when he has a bad game.

Deserved win for Barça, but i liked the spirit Bilbao showed:
great goalkeeping + defense in general
I think it should have been 1:0 and not 2:0. (If the ref gives a pen for Tello, why doesn't he do the same for Susaeta ?)
Messi was cheap: that free-kick was a nasty piece of "genius" as Barça fan will say, and I think he stopped running on the penalty.

iniesta great goal! but I'm not sure about the penalty, seems harsh..

Shame to see barca win so many referee decisions and complain about a lot yet again.
Number 37 was only ever interested in winning that penalty. He gets in front of the defender then slows down so the defender touches him, then lets his legs collapse. poor play. Sanchez is terrible for diving and faking injury too.
I love watching Barca but again they had that feeling that they deserve protection even though they get a lot of it anyway.

i am a Madrid fan but i like the way Thiago playz... he iz the future Xavi of Spain!