Barcelona secured an impressive 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to keep the pressure on table leaders Real Madrid.

With Real Madrid thrashing Osasuna 5-1 earlier in the evening Barca needed a victory to keep the pressure on Jose Mourinho's men and they duly delivered thanks to goals either side of half-time from Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, who struck from the penalty spot.

Pep Guardiola's side were full value for the win and might have been celebrating an even bigger triumph but for the fine performance of Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.