Second-stringers shine, but Barca counts the cost

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique hailed the contribution of his bit-part players as a much-changed side saw off Athletic Bilbao 3-0 at Camp Nou on Saturday to move to within a point of La Liga leader Real Madrid.

However, Barca's day was blighted by a groin strain suffered by first-choice centerback Gerard Pique which could keep him out of Tuesday's Copa del Rey semifinal, second leg at home to Atletico Madrid.

Despite holding a 2-1 lead over Atletico, Enrique maintained his policy of heavily rotating his starting XI throughout a demanding start to the year.

Barca's La Liga and Cup commitments will soon be added to by the return of the Champions League.

"First and foremost, it is important to realize that to reach our three objectives we need the whole squad," said Enrique.

"Today a lot of players who haven't had a lot of minutes took part and showed what they can do."

With Luis Suarez on the bench, Paco Alcacer netted his first La Liga goal for Barca since a $32 million move from Valencia in August.

Lionel Messi added a second five minutes before half-time with his third freekick against Athletic this year thanks to a huge error from Gorka Iraizoz in the visitor's goal.

Messi then took a rare rest for the final 25 minutes to be replaced by Sergi Roberto.

But that didn't halt Barca's rhythm as Aleix Vidal slotted a fine third into the corner two minutes later.

"We were able to give a rest to some because, without that, it is impossible to compete at 100 percent with all the games we have coming up," added Enrique.

"We've won three marvelous points."

However, Barca suffered a double injury blow when Pique limped off at halftime before Rafinha had to be replaced early in the second half due to a head knock.

The Catalans also have Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets sidelined at the moment.

"Gerard's problem is a strain so we decided not to take any risks," said Enrique.

"It is clearly the fruit of the calendar we have and the number of minutes he has had to play.

"Rafa's is a knock. He has a deep cut and we had to replace him.

"I don't know if I will able to count on them (for Tuesday). We will see how they go in training tomorrow and the day after."