With Lionel Messi absent and Luis Suarez suffering a first-half injury, Barcelona were poor in their 1-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
2019/2020 La Liga
1-0
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.
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