(VIDEO) Xavi knows what he’s doing: this is how he won the game vs Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona needed to win this Sunday at the Estadio Olimpico Lluis Companys in Montjuic. On Saturday Real Madrid had drawn 1-1 against Sevilla and had missed the chance to score two important points, while Girona beat Almeria 5-2 and reached Los Merengues at the top of the standings with 25 points.

Los Blaugranas knew that, should they get a win against Athletic Bilbao, they would move closer to the top of the stadings. And they did. But for that they had to work hard, as Ernesto Valverde's team proved to be a very difficult team. In fact, during the first half they had several chances to score the opener that goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen saved. The most important of them was a shot by Iñaki Williams. The hosts also had chances, such as a shot by Joao Felix that hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Barcelona controlled the ball, while the visitors fell further back in the field and gave up the lead. In this context, Xavi made some changes, such as the entry of Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old winger had the chance to score the opener, but missed.

However, the great success of the Barcelona coach was the entry of Marc Guiu. The 17-year-old forward joined the squad due to Robert Lewandowski's injury. He had already been a substitute in the match against Granada, but did not enter. This time Xavi gave him the opportunity to make his debut 33 minutes into the second half and in his first appearance, just two minutes later, he scored the opener: he received a great assist from Joao Felix and shot with his right foot, making it impossible for goalkeeper Unai Simon to react.

What's next?

On Wednesday, the Catalan side will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League. But the most important match will be next Saturday: they will play against Real Madrid in Montjuic.