This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On August 17, 2019, Barcelona kicked off their season with a loss, falling 1-0 to Athletic Bilbao in a match that saw a thrilling late goal from veteran striker Aritz Aduriz.
Aduriz, 38, came off the bench in the 89th minute and scored the winning goal with an acrobatic overhead kick, leaving Barcelona's new signings, Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong, stunned.
Despite being without injured captain Lionel Messi, Barcelona lined up with a star-studded lineup, but they lacked sparkle against an energetic Bilbao side.
Barcelona's Luis Suarez struck the near post in the first half, but was forced off with a calf injury, while substitute Rafinha rattled the crossbar.
Coach Ernesto Valverde made a tactical switch, bringing on Ivan Rakitic for Carles Alena, and Barcelona dominated the second half, but Aduriz's goal proved to be the difference-maker.
“Sometimes football is so beautiful and when you least expect it a ball like that comes to your feet and goes into the net,” Aduriz said in a post-match interview.
Barcelona's defeat marked their first opening day loss in 11 years, dating back to 2008 when they lost 1-0 to Numancia in Pep Guardiola's debut game.
“This is a very difficult ground to come to and we were made to see how tough the competition is,” said Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.
“We did not play like we usually do and they put us under a lot of pressure and if you’re not at your very best then a team like Athletic walks all over you.”
Barcelona's loss was a setback for the team, but they will look to bounce back in their next match.
