A late VAR reprieve ensured Barcelona clung on to a slender 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao as Raphinha continued his impressive form to restore the Blaugrana’s nine-point lead at the summit.
Barca looked to have been pegged back by a dramatic Inaki Williams equaliser, but it was disallowed for handball and Xavi’s side just about held on in the face of intense pressure.
The visitors had to weather a storm in the first half as well, making the most of their survival on the stroke of half-time when the in-form Raphinha struck.
Williams’ disallowed goal was then followed by more late chances for Athletic, but the hosts’ efforts amounted to nothing as Barca got one over former coach Ernesto Valverde.
