Barcelona began their La Liga title defence with a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, and Luis Suarez said it's that kind of close contest that will characterise the club's resilience as they seek a second successive domestic title.
Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty but Suarez’s 54th-minute volley gave the Spanish and European champions all three points just six days after their opponents had defeated them 5-1 on aggregate in the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) final.
“These games inspire us to win the league,” said Suarez on Barca’s official website.
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“We won the game and that’s what’s important, we had to wait for the moment to create some scoring chances”.
Barca did, however, lose both Sergio Busquets, who was removed on a stretcher, and Dani Alves to injury, with their website confirming the players will undergo tests to determine the severity of their injuries on Monday.
“We know we’re walking a fine line,” added Suarez.
“They’re players who add a lot to the team, but we have a match ahead next week and we have quality players that can play in their place.”
Sergi Roberto, who replaced Alves after only 19 minutes, added: “It’s always tough on this field [but] we got the three points.
“If Dani Alves is out and the coach gives me the opportunity to play at that position I’ll play there and try to give my best to help the team beat Malaga, get the three points, and achieve the ultimate goal, which is to win the league.”
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