Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick commended the "special atmosphere" within his squad as they moved four points clear at the top of LaLiga with a 1-0 win over Athletic Club.

The Blaugrana were not allowed to be at their best, and nearly went behind inside the first minute as Joao Cancelo inadvertently deflected a cross onto the crossbar.

Despite more pressure from Athletic, Barca broke the deadlock in the 68th minute through a tremendous goal from Lamine Yamal, and it proved enough to secure three points.

Barca only produced two shots on target and an expected goals (xG) of 0.45, but Flick was impressed with how his side dug in for the victory.

"I think there is a special atmosphere in this team; and I value it," he said in his post-match press conference.

"I value how they are together, the behaviour they have. Everything is fantastic, I'm happy.

"I see them focused on work and that's important.

"It wasn't easy to win here; and it's fantastic to have done it."

Barca have now kept eight clean sheets in all competitions so far this year, with only Inter having more among sides in the top five European leagues, though Flick is still hoping his team can restrict their opponents to fewer chances.

"When we play our style, sometimes we concede many chances," admitted the German.

"It doesn't matter at what height we defend, a clean sheet is always good."

The winner came through a likely source, with Yamal netting his 14th league goal of the season, while it was also his fifth goal involvement in his last three LaLiga matches.

Despite his contributions to the side, Flick still wants more from the 18-year-old.

He said: "I think Lamine didn't play his best game today, but he decided it.

"This type of player can solve a game for you."