Neymar reins in Athletic

FC Barcelona claimed their third victory in three Liga BBVA matchdays when they defeated Athletic Club in a game that was decided by Neymar Junior with a brace of goals, giving the Azulgranas a full set of wins so far this season.

In the first half, the excitement and good play from the goalkeepers replaced the goals, which did not arrive until after the break. While initially it was Ernesto Valverde's men who had the chances in Claudio Bravo's area, later it was Luis Enrique's side that threatened. Lionel Messi and Munir El Haddadi had good chances just before the break but, with some shots hitting the woodwork and others saved by Gorka Iraizoz, the match stayed level at half time.

The second half started in the same way as the first ended: with Barcelona playing with intensity in attack, forcing Athletic to stay tight in defence to keep the scoreboard on zero. Messi missed the best opportunity in front of the Rojiblanco keeper in the 60th minute and, shortly afterwards, Neymar sent a powerful shot from in front of the goal wide.

The Brazilian made no mistake with the next ball he received and put his team ahead from a Messi pass. In the next move, the link between Neymar and the Argentine worked again and the man from São Paulo scored his second goal of the afternoon, completing Barcelona's third victory in the Liga BBVA.