Raphinha’s strike in first-half injury-time helped Barcelona restore their nine-point lead at the top of La Liga with a hard-earned win over Athletic Bilbao.
Raphinha hit the winner with a drilled effort after receiving Sergio Busquets’ probing pass in the area with the former Leeds forward firing across Agirrezabala and into the far corner for his second goal in successive games.
The Brazilian’s celebrations were initially cut short by the assistant referee’s flag, but replays showed he was well onside and VAR overturned the decision.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen pulled several fine stops to deny Bilbao, who had a late Inaki Williams goal ruled out for handball after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee check.
Jules Kounde’s goalline clearance from Oier Zarraga’s effort in added time helped Barca cling on and extend their advantage over rivals Real Madrid, who had briefly cut Barca’s lead to six points after beating Espanyol on Saturday.
The two rivals are set to meet in El Clasico at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
Ernesto Valverde’s Bilbao side, who suffered their 10th defeat of the season despite a spirited performance, stay ninth.
Barca top scorer Robert Lewandowski made his return to the side after recovering from injury.