Barca outclass Bilbao

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Barcelona outclassed Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at the Estadio San Mames on Sunday, in a spiteful affair that saw both sides finish with 10 men.

Fernando Amorebieta saw red in the 34th minute for a dangerous tackle on Andres Iniesta, leaving an uphill battle for the hosts.

The Catalan giants broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, when Seydou Keita edged the ball past goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz, after being set up by David Villa.

Xavi's shot in the 74th minute took a beneficial deflection to double the visitors' lead, although their luck ran out three minutes later when Villa was dismissed for pushing Carlos Gurpegi in the face.

Bilbao pulled a goal back in the 90th minute courtesy of Igor Gabilondo, but as the home side searched for an equaliser Barca showed their class and reinstated their two-goal advantage through Sergio Busquets.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid were kept to a 0-0 draw by newly promoted Levante.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain was disallowed a goal for offside, before Sergio Ramos blazed a shot over the bar in the best chances of the opening half.

The result saw Jose Mourinho's side concede top spot to Valencia, who moved atop the league standings after a 2-0 win over Sporting Gijon.

Mehmet Topal and Roberto Soldado scored in the opening ten minutes to stamp their authority on the contest early.

Topal headed home powerfully in the 7th minute, before Soldado finished from close range three minutes later to seal the win.

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