FC Barcelona are still out of shape. The team around the six-time world footballer Lionel Messi came in the Spanish Primera División only to a 1-0 (1-0) at the bottom of the table SD Huesca.
Frenkie de Jong prevented with his goal in the 27th minute on presentation of Messi another embarrassment for the ailing subscription champions of past years.
Barça improved to fifth place through the success, but are already ten points behind leaders Atletico Madrid. Thanks to Luis Suarez, who was retired in Barcelona, the leaders won 2-1 (1-0) at Deportivo Alaves. The Uruguayan striker scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. Chasers Real Madrid had already won 2-0 (1-0) against Celta Vigo the day before and have two points less than their city rivals. The table third Real Sociedad San Sebastian did not get beyond a 1: 1 (0: 1) against CA Osasuna.
Athletic Bilbao had previously split from coach Gaizka Garitano shortly after the Basques won 1-0 (1-0) against FC Elche. The 45-year-old Garitano took over the professional team as head coach in December 2018. Bilbao are currently ninth in the table but had only won one of their last seven games before beating Elche. Late in the evening, Bilbao announced that Marcelino García Toral would be the new coach and should get a contract until June 30, 2022. With 416 led games in the Spanish league, the cup competition and the European Cup, he has extensive experience at the highest level, the club announced. As soon as the contract is concluded, the club will announce when the coach will be officially presented.
The 45-year-old predecessor Garitano took over the professional team as head coach in December 2018. Bilbao are currently ninth in the table but had only won one of their last seven games before beating Elche. “We know that we represent our people, that we play for something bigger than football,” said Garitano after the game. “Whether I’m here or not, I want Athletic to win.” Bilbao traditionally relies on Basque players.
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