Spanish La Liga
Full Time: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Barcelona
Date: 23 August 2015
Venue: Estadio San Mames
A single goal from Luis Suarez fired Barcelona to a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in their first Spanish La Liga game of the 2015/16 season at the Estadio San Mames on Sunday.
It was slow start to the game with both sides struggling to find their rhythm and create chances on goal.
In the 19th minute Barcelona suffered a set-back when Dani Alves had to leave the field injured and was replaced by Sergi Roberto.
The first decent chance on goal came in the 24th minute when Aritz Aduriz met a cross with a strong header, but his effort shaved the wrong side of the Barcelona post.
On the half hour mark Barcelona were afforded a great opportunity to take the lead when Gorka Elustondo committed a foul inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Lionel Messi, though, saw his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.
The Bilbao keeper was in action again five minutes later when he thwarted Suarez in a one-on-one situation.
The half ended 0-0.
Barcelona continued to pile on the pressure at the start of the second half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 54th minute when Suarez turned home a Jordi Alba pass with a clinical finish, 1-0.
On the hour mark Sergi Roberto almost scored his side's second goal, but he saw his powerful shot from the edge of the box crashed against the woodwork.
Bilbao tried to find their way back into the game, but Barcelona held on for the win.
