Lionel Messi again reaches 25 league goals as Barcelona beat Athletic

Published on: 18 March 2018

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Lionel Messi reached 25 goals for the ninth consecutive La Liga season as Barcelona continued their unbeaten league run with a 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou.

Messi, who has scored in each of his last five games against Athletic, doubled Barca's lead in the 30th minute with a low left-footed strike from 20 yards out. He nearly had another in the 80th minute before goalkeeper Kepa caught the deflection.

Paco Alcacer had earlier given the home side the advantage when he took a feed from Jordi Alba in the centre of the area and side-footed past Kepa in the eighth minute.

Athletic were more aggressive in the second half, including a free kick by Aritz Aduriz in the 86th minute that Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to punch out, but they could not break through.

Barca, who entered Sunday eight points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, have not been defeated in 36 La Liga games dating to last season.

Athletic, meanwhile, have not won at the Camp Nou in any competition since November 2001 -- a run of 21 games.

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