Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FC Barcelona salvaged a late point at home to Athletic Club as Ernesto Valverde's decision to rotate players backfired.
Lionel Messi was rested but came off the bench to help inspire the comeback, setting up Munir's 84th-minute equaliser, but couldn't find a winner in stoppage time.
"It can't be that we keep conceding goals every game like this," said Messi post-match, though Barca's attention must now fully turn to Wembley, where they will play Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.
But in truth they had half an eye on that game already, with key duo Sergio Busquets and Messi both omitted from the starting line-up.
Oscar De Marcos turned home a cross from wide smartly to put Athletic ahead in the first half - one of just two shots on target all day - but it took just ten minutes after the break for Ernesto Valverde to turn to Messi for inspiration.
The Argentine hit the woodwork, as Philippe Coutinho did, as Barca pressed for an equaliser and it looked as if they might not find one at all until Messi's inspired play found fellow substitute Munir with six minutes left.
Messi was so frustrated with the result that he was booked for dissent after the final whistle and it is clear that Valverde has much to think about, principally working out a way to stop his team leaking goals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments