La Liga - Athletic Bilbao 1-0 Barcelona - Match Report
Late Aduriz scissor kick hands Bilbao a sensational opening day win over Barcelona
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.
Goals/Highlights
Goal! Bilbao score late on! Veteran striker Aritz Aduriz comes off the bench and scores a scissor kick!
Chance! Barcelona pushing for an opening goal! Rakitic smashes the ball over the bar from close range!
0-0 at the break. Plenty of Barcelona to do in the second half.
Chance! Suarez comes off injured, and his replacement Rafinha nearly opens the scoring! His long-range strike is tipped onto the post!
Chance! Luis Suarez picks up on a loose back pass and hits the woodwork! Although it seems that he was injured in the build-up!
Peep! The La Liga season is underway!
Live Updates
Preamble
Our man Jamie Easton is on the scene! beIN SPORTS has you covered this season with La Liga!
Iker Munain has been a huge player for Bilbao down the years, can he make an impact tonight?
Barcelona have arrived, how important will Frenkie de Jong be tonight?
Just under 30 minutes till the start of the La Liga season? Can you feel the excitement in the air? This thrilling promo should get you in the mood!
Plenty of history between these two sides!
Team news! Athletico are going with a 4-2-3-1 formation, and will be looking to take Barcelona on the counter! Iñaki Williams leads the line, fresh from signing a bumper NINE-year contract extension with the side.
The atmosphere is building up nicely at the San Mames!
Team News! First up Barcelona! As expected, no Leo Messi but de Jong and Griezmann make their league debuts! No Philippe Coutinho in the match-day squad.
So here we go, the La Liga season is just about to kick-off! One bit of team news, Leo Messi won't play because of a calf complaint. Don't worry the Barca captain is looking to get back to action in the next few weeks, this is some warm up!
Good evening! Welcome to the Live Updates of Atletic Bilbao Vs Barcelona. Can the La Liga champions kick-start their season with a win away to Bilbao? Join me for all the build-up, team news and video highlights from the game!
