La Liga Report

Result: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 FC Barcelona 

Date: 28 August 2016

Venue: San Mames

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez endured a frustrating night, as FC Barcelona scraped past Athletic Bilbao 1-0 at the San Memes on Sunday evening.

Athletic Bilbao enjoyed a promising opening spell, with Inaki Williams proving to be their biggest threat with his pace and skill.

However, Barcelona broke the deadlock after 20 minutes when Luis Suarez picked out Ivan Rakitic, who sent a powerful header into the far corner.

The visitors dominated possession after taking the lead, but struggled to carve out clear-cut openings as the opening stanza continued.

Bilbao, meanwhile, were frustrated as they struggled to get the ball off the La Liga champions, which resulted in a number of fouls.

Barcelona pushed for a second goal after the break and went agonisingly close through Suarez and Lionel Messi after 50 minutes.

Luis Enrique opted for a double change on 70 minutes, as he introduced Andres Gomes and Javier Mascherano for Denis Suarez and Samuel Umtiti.

Suarez should have doubled Barcelona's lead in the 80th minute, as the Uruguyan skipped past two defenders before firing wide with only Iraizoz to beat.

The Catalan giants managed to see off a late surge from Bilbao to claim the three points and return to the top of the table.