Bravo is once again happy to take his time after having a simple effort pumped his way, with Enrique's side grinding out the first result of a long season. It may not have been pretty, but the Blaugrana have done it.
90' +3
Barca win a late free kick, but only Sandro and Suarez make their way into the box. That shows you everything you need to know about this game! A long through ball is claimed by Iraizoz, with the veteran goalkeeper immediately thumping a kick forward. Laporte shoots from 30 yards, but the youngster's effort is straight down Bravo's throat.
90' +1
There are four minutes of stoppage time in Bilbao. The hosts are piling plenty of red and white shirts forward, in the hope that playing some percentage football will result in a late equaliser. Barca holding firm at the moment, however.
89'
Gurpegui works the ball out to the left-hand side, but a blocked cross into the centre of the box deflects into the awaiting arms of Iraizoz. Barca are sat deep and trying to see this one out, in what definitely hasn't been a classic at San Mames!
87'
What a beautiful run from Messi! The Argentina international leaves several players for dead with a lovely turn and then nutmeg, but can only place his eventual finish directly at Iraizoz! Almost some Messi magic.
86'
Susaeta looks to curl a cross towards the back post, but Sergi Roberto is able to rise unchallenged to head clear. Barca then break, with Suarez released down the left channel, but again the Uruguayan forward strays a couple of yards offside and is denied by the linesman's flag.
84'
Benat tries to lift a through ball over Bartra for Aduriz or Ibai to chase, but Bravo gobbles it up with ease. Play is stopped once again, with Iniesta this time going down, but fortunately for the Blaugrana he is fine to continue immediately.
82'
Sandro Ramírez enters the game and replaces Rafinha.
Barcelona aren't too far away from a great result on the road, which would truly dispel the idea of Athletic Club having the ability to put dents in their title charge. Rafinha is replaced by Sandro for the visitors, after a very quiet performance on the left-hand side.
80'
The home fans are baying for an equaliser, but Aduriz is once again stopped by a great challenge from Vermaelen. Boveda then hangs up a good cross from the right, which is flicked on by Ibai and Eraso, but Aduriz can only hammer a close-range effort into the stands!
78'
Eraso is found in space inside the penalty area, but doesn't have the space to shoot. Instead, the former Leganes midfielder tees up Benat, but the diminutive midfielder can only scoop a terrible effort high and wide of the target from 20 yards out!
Minute
Description
76'
Less than 15 minutes are left on the clock in Bilbao, but Barca aren't showing any signs of relinquishing their lead any time soon. Rafinha and Messi continue to be essentially anonymous in the second half, but Suarez's goal still stands to be enough for Enrique's men. Roberto goes on a great run down the right, but the Catalan utility man is dispossessed inside the box.
75'
L. Suárez gets yellow.
74'
Bravo is easily able to catch a cross in which floated in from the left-hand side, before Suarez puts the spotlight back on himself again. The former Liverpool striker deliberately catches Gurpegi in the face with his arm, but the referee flashes only a yellow card.
72'
Eraso thinks that he can break through on goal, but the referee's whistle had already been blown for offside. Barca were playing a very dangerous game there, with an extremely high line. Athletic Club are at least showing that they are prepared to roll the dice and throw personnel forward for an equaliser.
71'
Ibai Gómez gets yellow.
70'
Barca are creating all of the dangerous chances, despite their players dropping like flies at the moment. Ibai is penalised for cynically tugging back Rakitic, with neither side looking capable of grabbing this game by the scruff of the neck. Again, the home fans chant for their talismanic striker!
68'
Marc Bartra enters the game and replaces Sergio Busquets.
Busquets asks for Enrique to wait and see if he can continue, but his coach doesn't want to risk anything. Bartra is put into the game at centre-back, with Mascherano pushed up as a pivot. The Blaugrana's squad is looking worrying thin on the ground at the minute.
66'
Aduriz and Sergio go into a firm but fair challenge in the centre of the field, but the latter won't be able to continue! The stretcher is immediately on, with Enrique having even more problems on his plate now. He was definitely caught by the Basque striker, but there was no malice in the tackle.
64'
T. Vermaelen gets yellow.
Los Leones' coach is becoming increasingly more animated on the touchline. Benat whips in a free kick, but it is half cleared, before a second delivery into the box is hoofed away by Sergi Roberto. Athletic Club are struggling to find a foothold in this game, especially given that they need to press on and take the contest to Barca.
63'
Ibai Gómez enters the game and replaces Sabin Merino.
62'
Gurpegi enters the game and replaces Mikel Rico.
Valverde makes two changes, with Gurpegui and Ibai introduced for the final half an hour. The hosts are running out of time to try and come back from this, with Enrique's men looking much more comfortable since taking the lead. Sergi Roberto needs to be asked questions by Ibai, as the Catalan isn't a natural defender.
60'
CROSSBAR! Iraizoz is almost forced into action once again, with Barca opening play out to the right brilliantly. Sergi Roberto musters up a powerful strike, which thuds off the woodwork and behind for a goal kick. There's plenty of activity on the hosts' bench.
58'
That goal from Suarez is a huge psychological blow for Los Leones, who probably had in mind that San Mames was a bit of a fortress after their 4-0 thrashing of the Blaugrana on this very turf recently. Suddenly, Athletic Club's system doesn't look adequate for chasing a game.
56'
Valverde and the home fans will be furious, as this contest has been totally changed due to a lapse in defensive concentration! Barca continue to push forward immediately, in search of a quickfire second, but Elustondo hacks away a hurried clearance. Sandro is warming up for the away side.
54'
L. Suárez has scored a goal for Barcelona! Assist by Jordi Alba.
GOOOOOOOOOOAL! BARCELONA MAKE IT 1-0! Athletic Club switch off for a second and they are punished! Alba races down the left-hand side, before whipping in a brilliant cross! Suarez is found about eight yards out and thumps a volley into the back of the net! Iraizoz had no chance!
53'
The opening 10 minutes have seen a few half chances for Barca, but nothing more. Rafinha tries to break to the left byline, but the Brazilian is easily held off and Athletic Club clear their lines.
52'
Rafinha tries to slide a pass into Suarez, but Boveda does well to cut it out and settle his own nerves. Barca manage to muster up an attack through Messi, with the Argentine and Suarez combining well, but the former can only win a corner on the left-hand side. The set piece is angled towards his Uruguayan teammate, but is headed clear.
50'
Bóveda enters the game and replaces Balenziaga.
The home crowd chant Aduriz's name, who has been decidedly quiet thus far. Balenziaga pulls up on the field, after an innocuous challenge, with Boveda quickly summoned to come into the fray and replace his teammate. That's a change at left-back for the hosts, with De Marcos pushed from right-back to the opposite flank.
48'
Athletic Club are immediately very tenacious in their pressing, forcing Mascherano and Sergi Roberto to operate under intense pressure. Suarez is subject to a long through ball from Mascherano, but the former Groningen striker strayed narrowly offside.
46'
We are underway in the second half at San Mames! Barca have had the better chances thus far, but Athletic Club are looking to get a reputation for being Enrique's bogey team.
45' +2
Chances have been few and far between during the last 20 minutes, with the ball finding itself in the air rather more often than Barca would like. Aduriz hasn't been able to get the better of Vermaelen regularly, meaning that both outfits are lacking the keys required to unlock the opposition's lines.
45'
There are three minutes of stoppage time at San Mames.
44'
I. Rakitić gets yellow.
Suarez scoops a ball in behind Elustondo for Rafinha to chase, but the Uruguay international places it slightly too close to Iraizoz. Rakitic then picks up a yellow card, with the former Sevilla midfielder raising an arm while challenging in the air with Sabin Merino. Benat clips forward the resulting free-kick delivery, but two players are caught offside.
42'
Athletic Club win themselves a corner on the left flank, which results in a little bit of pinball and Susaeta seeing a shot blocked. Benat whips in a second in quick succession, but Bravo is quick off his line to claim and start a Barca counter attack. Messi and Suarez combine, but the latter sees a shot on the turn deflected behind for a visiting corner.
40'
Aduriz manages to win his side a free kick, with the experienced striker using all of his wisdom to try and take a bit of pressure off the hosts. Benat stands over the set piece once again, but a lofted delivery into the box is headed away with ease. A second ball is looped high into the area, but Bravo claims under no pressure whatsoever.
38'
The home fans are loving this! The next free-kick effort is thumped into the wall again by Messi, which is met by cheers from the Basque supporters, with the rebound sliced behind for a goal kick by the Argentine forward. The former Newell's Old Boys star is looking rather frustrated with how he has kicked off his La Liga campaign.
37'
Eraso gets yellow.
Athletic Club concede another free kick in a dangerous area, with Carlos Gurpegui already being sent out to warm up. Elustondo is not enjoying himself at centre-back at all, that much can be seen. Messi tries his luck, but strikes the wall, with the referee penalising Eraso for blocking the ball with his arm.
35'
Elustondo picks up a yellow card for coming through the back of Suarez, with the former Real Sociedad man having an interesting first half! Iraizoz is called into action yet again to make a lunging save to his right, with Rafinha unable to rifle home the rebound from a tight angle! Suarez didn't quite get enough contact on a cross from the right to originally beat the Athletic Club goalkeeper!
34'
Elustondo gets yellow.
33'
Shot from Iniesta! The Spain international lines up a shot from the best part of 30 yards, but can only send the ball spiralling into the stands behind Iraizoz's net! Valverde is squatted down on his haunches on the sideline, with Los Leones' coach clearly a bit concerned for his players.
31'
Penalty saved by Iraizoz!
SAVED BY IRAIZOZ! MESSI DENIED! The experienced goalkeeper guesses the right way and pushes the ball around the post! Penalty not converted by Barca and everything appears to be going right for Athletic Club against the Blaugrana recently!
30'
BARCELONA WIN A PENALTY! Elustondo is deemed to be the culprit, with Suarez going down in a heap! The Athletic Club players cannot believe it! The former Liverpool man turns inside and is clipped!
28'
Rafinha is found gallopping down the left-hand side by Alba, but Iraizoz is quick off his line to leap up and claim the ball ahead of his opponent. No saves have been forced from either goalkeeper yet, with the bulk of play occurring in the centre of the park. Sabin tries to scamper down the left, but Mascherano slides in well to halt him.
26'
Athletic Club have been combative and competitive once again in the opening half an hour in the Basque country. That said, Vermaelen and Mascherano are coping with Aduriz much better than Bartra managed to. Messi has only popped into the game on a couple of fleeting occasions, with Rafinha only able to get a touch of the ball if he goes looking for it in deeper areas.
24'
A cross into the Barca penalty area is attacked by Aduriz, but the experienced striker isn't given an easy run at the ball. Moments later, Benat is able to pick up a free kick in a dangerous area, with the former Betis man standing over the set piece himself. Aduriz is, of course, the target! His flicked header, however, sails wide of the near post!
22'
Iniesta sees a shot charged down on the edge of the penalty area, after Barcelona saw a penalty appeal turned down! The ball struck Elustondo's arm, but it did appear that Sergi Roberto took it out of play before delivering the cross. Messi feels hard done to!
20'
Sergi Roberto is indeed introduced, with the central midfielder filling in at right-back once again. With Douglas and Adriano injured, the Spaniard has already been asked to play in such a position during pre season. That's not to say, however, that he will be very comfortable in doing so.
19'
Sergi Roberto enters the game and replaces Dani Alves.
18'
Athletic Club almost manage to piece together a swift counter attack, but Mascherano makes a vital intervention and strokes a pass back to Bravo. Sergi Roberto is getting stripped off on the sideline, with Alves seemingly unable to continue in this game.
16'
There is a break in play, with Alves going down with an injury problem. Valverde uses the stoppage in order to give some of his players some instructions. Sergi Roberto is immediately sent to warm up on the sideline for the visitors, with the Brazilian leaving the field of play quite gingerly.
15'
Plenty of fouls are creeping into this contest, with Iniesta the latest to be penalised for a push on Susaeta. Sabin is found by a weak pass out to the left-hand side, but the wide man can only curl a very tame effort straight at Bravo! No real chances for either side as of yet.
13'
Barca are seeing plenty of the ball, but passes out wide in search of Messi and Alba haven't been accurate enough. Eraso tries to find Aduriz with a neat ball through the centre of the field, but Mascherano steps out to make a timely interception. Rakitic tries to drive upfield as a result, but Benat and Balenziaga leave the Croatian on the turf.
11'
Suarez and Messi almost combine on the edge of the penalty area, but the former sees a shot easily blocked. Barcelona haven't lost their first game of a La Liga season in seven years, but Athletic Club are stopping them from hitting their stride thus far. Messi incurs the wrath of the home fans for a push on Balenziaga.
10'
Barcelona don't look to be in top gear heading into this season, with Dani Alves now making a mistake under limited pressure. Rakitic and Iniesta are trying to keep the ball moving, but the visitors need a much higher tempo to break down these Athletic Club lines and find spare men out wide.
8'
Aduriz and Iniesta collide in the centre of the field, after Rico pushed the Barca captain into the Basque striker. The hero of the Super Cup looks to be a little bit winded, but fortunately for Valderde the 34-year-old is fine to continue.
7'
Sabin tries to drive inside from the left flank, but the winger is muscled off the ball by Alves, much to the frustration of the home fans. Athletic Club are trying to be positive on the break, with Susaeta and his teammate on the opposite flank capable of earning yards for the hosts with powerful runs. Once again, a confident start from Los Leones.
5'
Mikel Rico gives the ball away to Rafinha in the middle of the park, but Iniesta is then unable to get the visitors immediately upfield. As long as Los Leones don't make any mistakes in dangerous areas, Barcelona should struggle to break them down. Alba's pace down the left, as aforementioned, could prove to be a key tool in getting some joy offensively.
3'
It is a competitive first few minutes, with both sides wanting to get hold of the ball and stroke it around. As they did in the Spanish Super Cup, Athletic Club are remaining nice and compact when out of possession, with their fans whistling every moment that Barca spend with the ball at their feet.
1'
We are underway in the first half at San Mames! Athletic Club have fared brilliantly against Barca in their last two encounters with the league and cup holders, but Enrique won't want to make it another evening without a win. Jordi Alba returning to action could prove key for the Blaugrana.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Athletic Club against Barcelona, as the the visitors look to forget their Spanish Super Cup defeat versus Ernesto Valverde's men. This is the opening fixture of La Liga for both outfits, although due to Super Cup and Europa League commitments, both have already had some competitive fixtures. The last time the Blaugrana visited the San Mames, they were subject to a 4-0 thrashing and an Aritz Aduriz hat trick.
I'm Simon Harrison and I will be keeping you up to date with all of the action from the Basque country, as the league holders try to avoid a potential banana skin. Luis Enrique's men are a little bit thin on the ground due to a few absentees, but Los Leones also have their fair share of injuries to contend with. After only a few goals during the Spanish top flight's opening weekend, hopefully this game can break the cycle!
TEAM NEWS: Mikel San Jose is replaced by Mikel Rico in midfield, with the former struggling slightly with an injury problem. Elustondo will partner Aymeric Laporte at centre-back, with Etxeita also suffering from a knock. Kike Sola is suspended, with Iker Muniain, Inaki Williams and Ander Iturraspe sidelined due to injury. Javi Eraso gets another start for Athletic Club, with Sabin also out on the left flank.
Athletic Club starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Iraizoz; De Marcos, Elustondo, Laporte, Balenziaga; Benat, Mikel Rico; Susaeta, Eraso, Sabin; Aduriz.
Athletic Club substitutes: Boveda, Ibai, Herrerin, Gurpegui, Viguera, Lekue, Aketxe.
Barcelona substitutes: Ter Stegen, Bartra, Munir, Sandro, Sergi Roberto, Camara, Gumbau.
TEAM NEWS: Claudio Bravo gets league duties once again, with Jordi Alba returning from injury to fill in for the injured Adriano and the suspended Mathieu. Gerard Pique has a ban, with Thomas Vermaelen partnering Javier Mascherano at centre-back. Rafinha starts on the left-hand side due to Pedro's departure and Neymar's continued recovery from mumps. Otherwise, Enrique's selection is as expected.
HALF TIME! Neither side can find the vital opening goal that they want so much, with even Lionel Messi missing a penalty! Barcelona have been unable to break down Athletic Club once again, with the hosts not having much luck offensively either. Iraizoz has made two good saves, while Bravo has been a relative spectator. Still plenty to play for in the Basque region!
FULL TIME! Barcelona take home a 1-0 win over Athletic Club, courtesy of a thumping volley from Suarez. The hosts only switched off for a moment, but it was enough to cost them the three points. Messi missed a penalty, in a game which wasn't an advert for the league, that's for sure! The champions start with a win, I've been Simon Harrison and I hope to see you again next time.
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