Barcelona held to La Liga draw by Bilbao

Barcelona have battled their way to a goalless draw at Athletic Bilbao to exnted their lead at the top of Spain's La Liga to six points.

Marc Andre Ter Stegen

Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen makes a save against Athletic Bilbao. (AAP)

Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona have extended their advantage by a point as they drew 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao, only avoiding defeat thanks to some outstanding saves by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Germany goalkeeper twice thwarted forward Inaki Williams and kept out a stinging drive from Markel Susaeta in an intense and entertaining game in which the champions came under heavy pressure throughout.

Barca top the standings with 51 points after 23 games, six ahead of a resurgent Real Madrid.

With Lionel Messi hampered by a recent thigh problem and influential left back Jordi Alba suspended, Barca were far from best, creating few clear opportunities and ending the game defending deep as Bilbao continued to attack.

The impressive hosts were left frustrated by the sending off of Oscar de Marcos in added time for a second yellow card, but there was barely any time left for Barca to take advantage and they had to settle for a second straight league stalemate.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde was still upbeat about his side's position in the title race, even though in the last nine days they have dropped four points.

"We come out of this week just like the last, we are still top, and if my calculations are not wrong, we'll be top next week," he told a news conference.

"This is a long season and we have to be top at the end of it."

Two last-gasp goals earned 10-man Sevilla an unlikely point in a 2-2 draw at home to Eibar.

The visitors were seemingly in control, taking a 2-0 lead through a fine solo effort from winger Fabian Orellana and header from Brazilian Charles.

Ever Banega was sent off for a second bookable offence with six minutes remaining but that sparked Sevilla into life.

Wissam Ben Yedder latched on to Pablo Sarabia's through pass to pull a goal back two minutes from time and Sarabia snatched an equaliser in stoppage time from Quincy Promes' cross.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored a hat-trick as Leganes romped to a surprise 3-0 win over Real Betis, who had Javi Garcia sent off late.

En-Nesri rammed home after a corner fell to him in the 22nd minute, adding another from close range before half-time to delight the always-raucous Butarque.

He completed his hat-trick on the break, firing home after being released by Martin Braithwaite.

Valencia played out a goalless draw with Real Sociedad at the Mestalla.


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Source: AAP



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