Barcelona, February 28 (BNA): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a goal for the third consecutive match and helped Barcelona achieve a comfortable 4-0 victory over its guest Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday.
The former Arsenal striker opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rebounding from Gerard Pique’s header from the crossbar, Reuters reported.
The second goal came in the 73rd minute with a wonderful finish for substitute Othman Dembele, who made peace with the Barcelona fans and was received with a standing ovation after he almost left the club in January due to his reluctance to renew his contract.
The French striker received a long pass from Frenkie de Jong right outside the penalty area, shot one of the defenders and fired a shot from a shot that passed past the goalkeeper in the upper left corner of the net.
Dembele provided assists for the third and fourth goals in stoppage time. First, he sent a superb cross to Luke de Jong, who scored with a header, and then, in the last game of the match, to Memphis Depay, who hit a shot from close range.
Xavi Hernandez’s team climbed to fourth place in the standings with 45 points, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
“We are enjoying the win,” 19-year-old midfielder Pedri told reporters. “Xavi has given us new energy and he is giving great advice to the youth.”
“New signings like Aubameyang, Adama Traore and Ferran Torres have given us a boost, the club has had success at home with them. We are enjoying our time now.”
With Athletic Valencia facing each other in the Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday, Marcelino Garcia rested several players on Sunday.
Barcelona took advantage of the situation by going through their opponents in a rough state as they extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions.