Barcelona showed its class, its power, its ball control. But they failed to show their scoring ability until Neymar broke the lock in Athletic Bilbao's net. The Brazilian star came off the bench to score twice, giving Barcelona the lead in La Liga standings.
The man of the match prior to Neymar's antics was Athletic's keeper Gorka Iraizoz, denying shots by young Munir El Haddadi and Pedro. The visiting side barely made shots to test Claudio Bravo, and so the first half ended with desperate Barcelona fans asking for more.
After the halftime break, Neymar had his day with Barcelona's shirt. Fifteen minutes after substituting Munir, Neymar finished a perfect assist by Lionel Messi, making Camp Nou fans go insane. Five minutes later, the "Messi-Neymar" connection gave another thrill for Barcelona, earning three points after struggling against a tough Athletic side.
Here you have some reactions to Neymar's superb performance:
Points to be learned frm today`s game 1. Do not bench Neymar 2. Do not bench Neymar 3. Do not bench Neymar . . . . 100. Do not bench Neymar
— FCB Maniac (@crazYrupit) September 13, 2014
Neymar has scored 2 goals in 58 minutes this season after taking 6 games to score his first goal last season. Hope his good form continues!
— Neymar Stuff (@NeymarStuff) September 13, 2014
Neymar really surprised me today. To come off the bench and score 2 fantastic goals after an exhausting international fixture is class.
— FC Barcelona (@CampNouAddict) September 13, 2014
For the first time since 1993/1994, Barcelona have not conceded any goal in their first 3 Liga games #fcblive [via @fcbarcelona]
— barcastuff (@barcastuff) September 13, 2014