Thanks to a second half goal from Eto’o, Barcelona goes home with full three points. Very difficult game for the Blaugrana, but they managed this time without Xavi and Messi, to win their first game without conceding a goal.

The first half wasn’t easy for the Catalan to put their usual football into practice, especially when Athletic with 4-5-1 formation didn’t give enough space for the midfielders to keep possession of the ball. The home side had their first chance after three minutes, when Valdes kept out a well hit effort from David Lopez. Eto’o came out with the reply on the 9th minutes, but his shot from the edge of the area didn’t trouble Iraizoz. Iniesta, who was playing on the right side attack tried his luck from distance, but his left foot strike flew just over the bar. Things turned bad for Barca when Keita forced off with a nasty injury to be replaced by Busquets. Valdes comes again to action, when he hardly turned Yeste great free kick to corner.

The second half saw Barca taking control of the game, while Athletic seemed to counter attack. It was Iniesta who brought the first chance for the Blaugrana after fine work he cut the ball back for Sanchez, but the youngster blasted his effort way over the bar. Henry was the goal maker, when he set Eto’o, who didn’t have much trouble to pass over Amorebieta to fire home unstoppable volley. Amorebieta almost put through his own net minutes later with a header, but Iraizoz's diving save kept the score at 0-1.

Due the result, Barca managed to keep the ball into their feet, and they were wise enough to protect the leading goal. Iniesta again from the right wing set Eto’o face to face with Iraizoz, but this time, he missed the target in unbelievable way.

In general, the team appeared well organised and Goardiola should be pleased with the performance of his men. The game saw the return of Hleb who seemed to be useful for Pep in the next games. Despite that, the bad news comes from the injury of Keita, who will not be able to play the next game against Basle. Toure also will be under tests on Monday after he strained a muscle in his back after falling badly at a corner.