Athletic Bilbao were given an almighty scare by bottom of the table Osasuna before Josep Guardiola's men eventually ran out 3-2 winners.
Barca dominated from the off with the only surprise of the first half being it took nearly until half time before Samuel Eto'o broke the deadlock.
The visitors were caught cold in the second half and quick-fire double from Osasuna looked for a while like handing Barcelona a second Liga defeat of the season.
Firstly, Miguel Flano floated a header over Victor Valdes in the net before Walter Pandiani turned home Juanfran's cross in the middle to leave Guardiola's men rocking.
However, they managed to steady themselves enough for Xavi to drill home a brave equaliser from 12-yards out after some neat work by Dani Alves.
