Athletic Bilbao 2-3 Barcelona: Player ratings as Lionel Messi brace earns crucial win

Lionel Messi shone as Barcelona triumphed at the San Mames to earn a 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, as they climb up to third in the La Liga table.

A thrilling first half saw Bilbao get off to the perfect start. A beautiful slide rule pass from Raul Garcia led to Inaki Williams finishing confidently in the third minute after a fast-paced breakaway move for the hosts. The subsequent action, however, was dominated by Barcelona and if it wasn't for goalkeeper Unai Simon, the Blaugrana would have led by a much larger margin at the break.

The hosts' shot stopper saved brilliantly from Sergino Dest, Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba and Antoine Griezmann in the first 45 alone. But Simon couldn't find a way to keep out a fantastic team move finished by Pedri on 14 minutes, and a beautiful Lionel Messi goal on 38 minutes as the Catalan giants found themselves 2-1 up at half time.

The visitors continued to have the lion's share of the play after the break, but struggled to bypass Bilbao's rigid defensive shape in the early stages. However, a moment of magic opened the door once more as, minutes after he hit the top of the upright from 25 yards, Messi finished sublimely from a Griezmann pull back on the hour mark. The Argentine was at fault, however, as his stray ball found its way to Iker Muniain to slot home as a consolation goal in the 90th minute, to bring the score to 3-2.

Now, to the ratings.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (GK) - 6/10 - The German didn't have much to do after the opening goal, but kept his side safe with two saves, before being beaten by a lovely Muniain goal.

Sergino Dest (RB) - 6/10 - Was caught out of position a couple of times in the second half.

Ronald Araujo (CB) - 7/10 - Another commanding performance from the youngster. Made two crucial tackles to preserve his side's lead either side of the break, winning possession seven times.

Clement Lenglet (CB) - 6/10 - A distinctly average display from the Frenchman as he made only one tackle throughout, but finished the game with a pass accuracy of 94%.

Jordi Alba (LB) - 6/10 - The Spaniard got up and down the flank well, and saw a lot of the ball with 109 touches. He also made five interceptions at left back.

2. Midfielders

Sergio Busquets (DM) - 7/10 - Had a solid game. The veteran didn't put a foot wrong defensively in the holding position and left the field with a pass accuracy of 94%.

Pedri (CM) - 8/10 - Had a first half to remember as he nodded home after some beautiful build up play, while also providing the assist for Messi's first goal. Was quieter in the second, but still contributed in the final third.

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - 9/10 - Another brilliant display from the Dutchman. De Jong provided the assist for his side's first, maintained a 94% pass accuracy and made six interceptions too.

3. Forwards

Ousmane Dembele (RW) - 7/10 - The Frenchman was very bright, having had two shots on target, three key passes and five dribbles in a menacing performance.

Lionel Messi (ST) - 9/10 - Set up the first goal with a sublime pass. Finished nonchalantly to put his side into the lead before half time. The Argentine scored his second after the break and dictated his side's forward play throughout. He was at fault for Bilbao's second, but we can forgive him that.

Antoine Griezmann (LW) - 8/10 - Showed inventiveness throughout and was unlucky not to score his fourth goal of the league campaign as he registered two shots on target. Provided a lovely assist for Messi's second goal, however.

4. Substitutes

Martin Brathwaite (RW) - 6/10

Oscar Mingueza (RB) - 6/10