Barça stay top (1-3)

Following two consecutive draws, Barça have returned to winning ways by overcoming Bilbao with goals coming from Puyol, Gudjohnsen and Saviola.

Despite the match being the first without the omnipresent Samuel Eto'o, Barça demonstrated their ability to overcome this particular hurdle, with commanding authority. Yeste opened the scoring for the home team in the 11th minute with a well timed volley. Bilbao's problems started in the 19th minute following a red card for a professional foul on Gudjohnsen by Casas. From this point, Barça began to stamp their authority on the game - and just before the break, Carles Puyol got the equaliser and Gudjohnsen and Saviola secured the three points in the second half.

The first half

Before the game started, the Barça players showed their united support for Eto'o by wearing t-shirts saying "Anims Samu". The need for Bilbao to achieve victory only added to the atmosphere before the kick-off. Yeste proved to be up for the game and proved to offer his team attacking options – in the 11th minute, Bilbao broke away on the counter attack with Yeste, who fed Llorente a ball on the left flank to which his cross took a deflection off Marquez and fell perfectly for Yeste to volley neatly past Valdes (1-0). Barça wanted a quick response and nearly found it a few minutes later when Deco's shot was blocked after a neat one two with Ronaldinho.

Red Card

Athletic Bilbao's positive play took a turn for the worse in the 20th minute; after making a darting run down the centre, Messi released Gudjohnsen, who in turn was brought down by last man Casas - red card. Llorente was taken off as defensive cover was needed to make up for the loss of Casas. At the same time, Barça took the decision to make the most of the numerical advantage by replacing Edmilson with Giuly to give more attacking options.

Barça stepped up the attack and began to find space available to test the keeper. Ronaldinho had a few dead ball occasions, but shot well wide. However, the equaliser was found in time added on when Gudjohnsen's cross into the box found Puyol, who stabbed home from 6 yards (1-1). The goal being Puyol's second in as many weeks. Both teams left the field with the home crowd voicing their disapproval towards the referee.

After the break

Rijkaard's instructions were to continue where they left off. They were close to taking the lead in the 54th after a quickly taken free kick found Marquez who smashed his kick from the edge of the area only for it to bounce agonizingly off the inside of the post and out. Barça were controlling the game by this time and managed to find a way through in the 61st minute; Xavi's exquisite through ball to Gudjohnsen who shot first time to send the ball into the back of the net (1-2).

Saviola joins the party

In the 71st minute, Rijkaard decided to swap his strikers - bringing on Saviola for Gudjohnsen in the hope of injecting a little more pace to the attack. It didn't take him long to open his account and settle the game; slotting home after a pass from Iniesta, who unselfishly passed despite being in a potential scoring opportunity himself (1-3).

First Game without Eto'o

Barcelona take on Bilbao tonight (22:00), the first game without top scorer Samuel Eto'o. The objective being to carry on where they left off and not notice his absence.

Frank Rijkaard's team wants to demonstrate that despite the absence of Eto'o, they are fully prepared for any challenge that may lie ahead. As with other times, the team will show there full support to their team mate to help the recovery process. One of the biggest mysteries surrounding tonight's game, however, will be who will replace Eto'o in the centre of attack; Gudjohnsen or Saviola.

The incentives: Today is Frank Rijkaard's 44th birthday - the first to fall on match day. Moreover, tonight's game in San Mames is the same place where Frank Rijkaard took control of the team three years ago. Also, Ronaldinho celebrates 100 games for Barça and if Barça win, it will be Rijkaard's 75th victory.

Barça: Following two consecutive draws against Valencia on Sunday and Bremen during midweek, Barça want to take all three points away with them tonight and defend their leadership over La Liga. This time around, rests are given to Oleguer, Silvinho, Ezquerro and coming back into the team are Marquez and Gio.

The Rival: Bilbao go into tonight's encounter without having yet achieved a victory in La Liga. Bilbao are not going through the best of times at the moment on a sporting and institutional level. Therefore their new female president will be hoping to start a new era with a victory. Coach, Felix Sarriugarte cannot count on Aduriz, Amorebieta or Murillo. Mystery also surrounds who Bilbao will play up front - Urzaiz or Llorente.

The game: Since Rijkaard took control of the Blaugrana, Barça have achieved one victory (0-1 in 2003/04), one draw (1-1 in 2004/05) and one defeat (3-1 in 2005/06).