• Barcelona opened their La Liga defence with an away match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium late on Friday. Getty Images
    Barcelona opened their La Liga defence with an away match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium late on Friday. Getty Images
  • Barcelona were without Lionel Messi, who is out injured, as they prepared to win yet another opening league match. Getty Images
    Barcelona were without Lionel Messi, who is out injured, as they prepared to win yet another opening league match. Getty Images
  • But a spirited Bilbao side proved doughty opponents for a Barca side far from their best on the night. Getty Images
    But a spirited Bilbao side proved doughty opponents for a Barca side far from their best on the night. Getty Images
  • Here, Iker Muniain of Athletic Bilbao competes for the ball with Barcelona's Rafinha in a very physical match. Getty Images
    Here, Iker Muniain of Athletic Bilbao competes for the ball with Barcelona's Rafinha in a very physical match. Getty Images
  • Barcelona receive a major setback during the match as Luis Suarez is forced to leave the pitch after injuring his calf as he joins Messi on the bench. Getty Images
    Barcelona receive a major setback during the match as Luis Suarez is forced to leave the pitch after injuring his calf as he joins Messi on the bench. Getty Images
  • Aritz Aduriz was the one who broke the deadlock in the game as he scored for the home team to leave the visitors in a state of shock. Getty Images
    Aritz Aduriz was the one who broke the deadlock in the game as he scored for the home team to leave the visitors in a state of shock. Getty Images
  • The goal from Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz is made even sweeter for the home fans by the fact he is a veteran player who is 38 years old. Reuters
    The goal from Bilbao's Aritz Aduriz is made even sweeter for the home fans by the fact he is a veteran player who is 38 years old. Reuters
  • Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde watches helplessly as his side are unable to find an equaliser. EPA
    Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde watches helplessly as his side are unable to find an equaliser. EPA
  • Antoine Griezmann reacts during the match. The Frenchman, who moved from Atletico Madrid to the league champions, endured a quiet debut. EPA
    Antoine Griezmann reacts during the match. The Frenchman, who moved from Atletico Madrid to the league champions, endured a quiet debut. EPA
  • Barcelona's Sergi Roberto also cuts a dejected figure as the writing is on the wall. Reuters
    Barcelona's Sergi Roberto also cuts a dejected figure as the writing is on the wall. Reuters
  • The 1-0 defeat forces Gerard Pique, right, to concede he and his Barca teammates were put in their place. Getty Images
    The 1-0 defeat forces Gerard Pique, right, to concede he and his Barca teammates were put in their place. Getty Images

Football

Antoine Griezmann's Barcelona shocked and humbled at Bilbao – in pictures

Here are some of the choicest photos from their 1-0 defeat to Athletic in their La Liga opener

Chitrabhanu Kadalayil
Chitrabhanu Kadalayil

August 17, 2019

  • English
  • Arabic

Barcelona made a poor start to the defence of their La Liga title on Friday after they lost Luis Suarez to injury and, worse, got beaten by Athletic Bilbao.

Suarez hobbled off in the 37th minute with what looked like a calf injury before Aritz Aduriz came on in the 88th, the 38-year-old striker who has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

For the best pictures from the match, browse through the gallery above. To move on to the next picture, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device simply swipe.

La LigaBarcelona