Ivan Rakitic came on from the bench to score the only goal as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao.
Rakitic came to Barca’s rescue as he fired Barcelona to the top of the table with a goal.
Lionel Messi about the celebrate his 33rd birthday as he assisted Rakitic for 71st minute winner.
After a goalless draw at Sevilla on Friday, Barcelona were looking to bounce back, but they were far from their best.
Messi was also lucky to escape a red card as he left a stud on Yeray Alvarez’s ankle which could have seen him sent-off.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen came to Barca’s rescue in the opening moments of the game.
After the break, Messi teed up Antoine Griezmann with a clever pass, but the French forward could not apply a suitable finish.
Eventually the breakthrough came as Messi teased the ball through for the charging Rakitic to slam beyond Unai Simon.
With the win, Barcelona go three points clear of Real Madrid until Madrid face Real Mallorca on Wednesday.
Barcelona next will face Celta Vigo on Saturday away from home while Bilbao will clash against Mallorca on the same day.
