With Lionel Messi absent and Luis Suarez suffering a first-half injury, Barcelona were poor in their 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Match Report
Barcelona lost Luis Suarez to injury as a stunning late goal from Aritz Aduriz secured a 1-0 win for Athletic Bilbao in Friday's LaLiga opener.
With Lionel Messi missing with a calf problem and Philippe Coutinho left out amid talks with Bayern Munich over a loan move, the Catalans were found wanting in attack against coach Ernesto Valverde's old club.
Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong made their league debuts for the champions, but there was little for them to celebrate as the 2019-20 season got off to a lacklustre start at San Mames.
The loss of Suarez to a first-half muscle problem only compounded what proved a frustrating outing for the visitors, who twice hit the woodwork before Aduriz's 89th-minute overhead kick secured all three points.
Match Events
7' Unbelievable save from Ter Stegen!
Ter Stegen is called into action as Williams tries his luck from range. Dembele gave the ball away in a dangerous area and Williams took the opportunity to drive towards goal.
The forward was allowed time to shoot but he wins a corner as Ter Stegen tips the ball around the post.
15' CLOSE! Ter Stegen makes a great save
Ter Stegen comes to the rescue for the second time tonight as he gets down low to deny Williams.
The forward charged into the box and opened his body but he failed to get any height on his shot and Barcelona clear the danger.
32' OFF THE POST! Suarez almost scores
52' CHANCE! Rafinha's shot saved
The first chance of the second half falls to Barcelona but Rafinha is denied at the near post. Dembele played him in thanks to a delicate pass but the shot is blocked for a corner.
60' Yellow Card! Pique booked
Pique is the first man in the referee's book after he catches Raul Garcia with his arm as they jump for a header.
70' MISS! Rakitic's shot over the bar
Athletic sit back and invite pressure and Barcelona nearly punish them.
After the ball bobbles around in the box, Rakitic finally finds room to shoot but he finds the stands when he should be hitting the target.
89' GOAL! Athletic Club 1-0 Barcelona (Aduriz)
Aduriz has been on the field for less than a minute and he makes an immediate impact thanks to a sensational volley.
The striker moved into a great position inside the box, before drilling the ball into the far corner. What a moment for the veteran, who will retire at the end of the season.
danieljamey
1431
CAn’T HEar YOu FRom tOp oF tHe TaBle.😂😂
YaqoobAliShah
1318
I am Barcelona fan but feeling happy because Valverde is close to be sacked
TheDarKnight13
627
Summary of the full match : 1. Without Messi Barcelona is like Argentina with Messi😂 2. Even Rafinha is better than Griezmann😅 3. Dembele can't stop loosing the ball🤣 4. De Jong now understands it's different ball game in La Liga than in pre-season matches 😂 5. Rakitic is better than everyone in this Barcelona squad.. 6. Barcelona can exchange Griezmann to bring Neymar back
7. Valvarde and Bartomeu should be sold to China[Crylaugh]
as_win10
382
Barcelona fans when they see Valverde
iamildaz
330
One shot on target Barcelona need to exchange Valverde + Bartomeu for Neymar 🤣🤣
GateWaye
305
No Messi, No Party
Neymarcelo
303
The only thing Dembele is better than Neymar is in losing ball 😂😂
Kktb0246
294
I hope barça lose more games so valverde can leave
Christopher_Robin
284
Guys which channel was FC Barcelona playing at because I could only find FC Loserlona.
UmarSawn
253
Barcelona turn into Argentina
Akechandy
242
Youngvic
216
Chelsea:i’m the cross bar challenge king Barcelona: Hold my bear🤠
osdel
212
at least Coutinho wasn't around to take the blame this time around.
Jsmooth
196
Can someone give this man a contract extension until 2090 🤬🤬🤬
VanishPrasad
191
PSGs asking price for neymar has just gone up another 100m 😂😂😂
chinelson
176
This is just the first match and preseason is different from real season. so dont troll anyone now. long way to go
TheDarKnight13
127
Barca fans expectations : To be in the top of the table Reality : Barcelona at the bottom of the table 🤣🤣
amicablea
83
Here is the GIF, click: http://bit.ly/2NaD4OP
Rashnic/GOAT/CR7
78
Barcelona fans right now
tropicalda
57
I have just one question: how does Valverde still have a job? Does he have Bartomeu's nudes?
danieljamey
49
pusbikorsu
44
Points of the match 1: barca actually need neymar 2: laliga is more competitive than ever 3: pique got the first yellow of the season 4: de jong probably can end up being the greatest mid in laliga history 5: griezman needs to hurry the hell up with his good performances
Bishalad
32
I think ATHLETIC CUB is Spanish 🇪🇸 vision of Wolves💯✔