Aduriz Stunner Hands Barcelona 1st Loss in La Liga Opener in 10 Years

Barcelona lost its opening Spanish league match for the first time in a decade on Friday, falling at Athletic Bilbao 1-0.

MADRID (AP) – Barcelona lost its opening Spanish league match for the first time in a decade on Friday, falling at Athletic Bilbao 1-0.

Veteran striker Aritz Aduriz scored the winner with a spectacular scissor-kick a minute after coming off the bench in the 88th minute, handing Barcelona the loss after 10 straight wins to start the league.

Aritz Aduriz salutes @Athletic_en fans after scoring 89th minute winner against @FCBarcelona pic.twitter.com/5t8XSmN5EU

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) August 16, 2019

Antoine Griezmann couldn't make up for Lionel Messi's absence. Griezmann was held scoreless in his competitive debut after joining from rival Atletico Madrid in the offseason. He didn't have Messi by his side because the Argentina star is nursing a right calf injury, and he couldn't count on Luis Suarez either after the Uruguay striker had to be replaced because of an injury in the first half at San Mames Stadium.

Barcelona had most of the significant chances, being denied by the woodwork a few times.