Barca Blaugranes - La Liga, Round 1; Athletic Club vs Barcelona: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2015-08-27T21:56:55+02:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/89541722015-08-27T21:56:55+02:002015-08-27T21:56:55+02:00La Liga: Athletic 0-1 Barça: Player Ratings
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<p>A detailed, player-by-player breakdown of Barcelona's hard-fought win against Athletic Bilbao.</p> <p>
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<span>Claudio Bravo</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.7</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Touches: <b>77</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>61</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>72</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots Faced: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Saves Made: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Cross Claims</span></span></span></span></span>: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says:</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i> 6.5</i></b></span>
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<p>A fairly straightforward game for Bravo who wasn't necessarily tested much, making only a pair of saves, but didn't quite look comfortable with the ball at his feet in this one. All too often he rushed his passes, even when he wasn't under pressure, resulting in a few too many misplaced balls, some of which resulted in quick counter attacks, though none led to dangerous chances. Bravo looked the most "at home" in the air where he claimed everything that came into his air space.</p>
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<span>Dani Alves</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">5.9</td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: <b>18</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>16</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Passes: <b>13</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>100</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes:<b> 0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Clearances</span></span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls</span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Interceptions</span>: <b>0</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>6.0</i></b></span>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Not quite the La Liga season debut Alves had envisioned as he was forced off with an injury in the 19th minute. It might have been a blessing in disguise though as Alves was having a forgettable game up until that point, turning the ball over far too often. Defensively the Brazilian was solid, but he wasn't really tested much in that time.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Javier Mascherano</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.7</i></td>
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<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>104</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>88</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>7</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>4</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>7.5</i></b></span>
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<p>Another game in which Mascherano started in the heart of the defense but later moved to the midfield, and he performed excellently regardless of where he played. While he was outperformed by his center-back partner, Vermaelen, but that was not a knock against El Jefecito, as the Argentine also made a large number of excellent plays, but he just couldn't match the Belgian's productivity.</p>
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<span>Thomas Vermaelen</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.8</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Touches: <b>106</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>83</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>90</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Interceptions: <b>4</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: <b>16</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>4</b></span></div>
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<span class="statwords">Fouls: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span></b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>8.0</i></b></span>
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<p>To say this was Vermalen's best game in a Barcelona shirt would be an understatement, as the Belgian international made numerous plays that defused dangerous situations. Consistently he was in good position to make the play, both on the ground and in the air, where he mostly excellently handled the aerial monster that is Aritz Aduriz. Vermalen did pick up a yellow card midway through the second half, but it was a "good foul", stopping a quick counter.</p>
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<span>Jordi Alba</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.9</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>82</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>78</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Key Passes</span></span>: </span><b><span class="statwords">1</span></b>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan </b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>7.5</b></i></span>
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<p>Returning from injury Alba showed how important he is to the Barça game, in all aspects of the game. Early in the game some rust was showing in the speedster's game, but as the match progressed Alba improved and started making plays both on offense and defense. In the end Alba was one of the key players in the important win, providing the assist for the only goal of the opener.</p>
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<span>Sergio Busquets</span><br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.3</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>67</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>61</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>52</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>87</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Interceptions: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Clearances: </span><span class="statwords"><b>2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Turnovers</span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Aerial Duels Won</span></span></span>: </span><b><span class="statwords">1</span></b>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"><b></b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span></span>: <b>4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam </b></i></span>says: </b></i></span><span class="statwords"><i><b>7.0</b></i></span>
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<p>Busquets was performing reasonably well up until his injury. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> needed to stop the Athletic pressure that led to the Supercopa defeat and Busquets was the man to do this. Making three tackles and an interception stopped counterattacks from forming. However, his passing was slightly less accurate than usual at 87%. He was forced to retire early with what looked to be a pretty serious ankle injury but later tests showed he was fine.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Ivan Rakitić<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.1</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>78</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>67</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>81</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>1/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Turnovers:</span><span class="statwords"><b> 2</b></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Interceptions</span></span>: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam says: 6.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<p>Similar to the Supercopa games, Rakitic was quiet in this game and found it difficult to make an impact against Athletic. He didn't manage any shots and his passing accuracy was just 80%, much lower than his usual. Defensively, he was solid but did pick up a yellow card.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Andres Iniesta<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.3</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>75</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>64</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>83</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>/0</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span>: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>3</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords">Key Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>5</b></span>
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<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Tackles</span></span></span></span></span>: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sam </b></i></span>says: 7.0</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
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<div>
<p>Similar to his midfield partners, Iniesta didn’t have such a algae influence on the game, which is to be expected against a well organised team. He completed just 64 passes with an accuracy of 83% but did put in a bigger defensive performance than he usually does. Making three tackles and an interception helped maintain Barça’s slender lead.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Luis Suarez<br>
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<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.3</i></td>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
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<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>44</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: </span><span class="statwords"><b>30</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>70</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>3/2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: <b>7</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls Won</span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Fouls</span></span>: </span><span class="statwords"><b>4</b></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sonia </b></i></span>says: 8</b></i></span><span class="statwords"><b><i>.0</i></b></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Suarez was probably the best forward on the pitch last match. He had a decent game and deservedly scored the winner, which was also probably the highlight of the match for a Barca that still seem off from their treble-winning selves. It was a great goal - he was wide open, got the ball, and took his chance. Considering that one of the links in MSN was gone, the striker in the middle did pretty good.</p>
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<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a><br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>90</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>74</b></span><span class="statwords"><b></b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>52</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>75</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>4/2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won: </span><span class="statwords"><b>0</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles: <b>9</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: <b>4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: <b>1</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b>Sonia says: 7.5</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
</div>
<div align="justify">
<p>Not a great game for Messi overall, though at times he was definitely able to show his quality. Throughout the match, he was forced to drop back for Rafinha. In the first half, his most notable move was his missed penalty. In all honesty, the missed penalty was not a very good one. It had neither enough power nor enough precision to get past the goalkeeper. He was better the second half though, and had a great chance which unfortunately was missed. Messi was still obviously the GOAT, but a rather underwhelming version of himself with a comparatively poor performance. The last 15 minutes showed his quality, but the rest of the match was just bad.</p>
<br>
</div>
</td>
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<table style="text-align: justify; width: 100%; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-color: black;">
<tbody>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Rafinha</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;">6.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords">Minutes played: <b>81</b></span></div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: </span><span class="statwords"><b>43</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>34</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>68</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Key Passes: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span>: <b>0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Turnovers: </span><span class="statwords"><b>1</b></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sonia </b></i></span>says: 5.0</b></i></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">Rafinha had an underwhelming and generally poor game. He made multiple mistakes and rash decisions. Rafinha really isn’t a great fit in this role and definitely does better in midfield. Fortunately, he is only filling in at LW because of Neymar’s mumps. We can all breathe a sigh of relief that Raf will be back in midfield soon and that we’ll have Neymar starring alongside Messi and Suarez again. He honestly didn’t make any significant contributions to the game - I guess none of his mistakes were ones that could have cost us the game, but nothing he did helped us win wither.</p>
</div>
</td>
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</tbody>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"><span>Sergi Roberto</span></td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>8.2</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>72</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>56</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>33</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>82</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Successful Dribbles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>4</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin </b></i></span>says: 8.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<span> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>Well, are we finally seeing a player here? Limited game time over the past 2 seasons have made it hard for Sergi to leave much of an imprint on matches, largely looking pedestrian when introduced into midfield. Brought on at the right side of defence just before the midway point of the first half, Roberto was arguably the best player on the park for the remainder of the game. His approach was a little less daring in attack than would normally be seen from Alves, instead turning in a diligent defensive performance that involved a hell of a lot of running. Going forward though he still managed to show his worth by striking the framework with a crashing shot and providing a number of good crosses (haven't seen too many of them come from the right flank of late). With Dani likely to be sidelined for at least one match and Douglas also out with an injury, expect the Catalan to start on the right this weekend when Malaga visit.</p>
</div>
</div>
</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">
<span>Marc Bartra</span><br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>6.3</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>23</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>19</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>13</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>54</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Clearances</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: 4<b></b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin </b></i></span>says: 6.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<span> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>After two forgetful performances on the trot, the pressure was on Bartra to produce a performance that restored the faith Culés worldwide have put in him. The defender had spoken during the week leading up to the game about learning from his mistakes and growing as a player and this game was his chance. The injury to Busquets meant that Javier Mascherano pushed forward into pivote and Bartra slotted in to centre half alongside Vermaelen in a pairing that none of us ever expected to see in the first league fixture of the season. His contribution was not flashy nor did he draw attention to himself but he held firm in the Barça backline at a crucial point in the game. Right now, that's a step in the right direction.</p>
</div>
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</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">Sandro Ramirez<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>5.9</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top; font-size: 12px;" colspan="2">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Minutes played: </span><span class="statwords"><b>9</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Touches: <b>3</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>2</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>100</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords"><span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>: <b>0/0</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin says: N/A</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<span> </span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>Brought on too late to warrant a full rating.</p>
</div>
</td>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">The Team</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.4</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Passes: <b>693</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Pass Accuracy: <b>81</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Shots/Shots on Target: <b>10/4</b></span><span class="statwords"><b></b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Tackles: </span><span class="statwords"><b>19</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Aerial Battles Won: <b>45</b></span><span class="statwords"><b>%</b></span>
</div>
<div class="dots">
<span class="statwords">Fouls Won/Committed: <b>11/16</b></span><span class="statwords"></span>
</div>
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Sonia </b></i></span>says: 7.5</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">The team had an alright day facing Athletic the third time this season. The result is nothing to go down in history, but we got a goal courtesy of Suarez, and we have the three points. At least we won’t have to face Bilbao again for a while, and when we do it will be at the Camp Nou. Certainly the defence did very well, even if the attack was underwhelming. Barca succeeded in keeping the clean sheet, which is our first of the season. Sergi Roberto starred at RB and was arguably better than Alves who he replaced. Vermaelen also did well and seems to have left his injury behind. Hopefully the attack will be able to click the way the defence has with the completion of MSN upon Neymar’s return.</p>
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<tbody>
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<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">
<span>Luis Enrique</span><br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>7.5</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="statcont">
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b><span class="statwords"><i><b>Kevin </b></i></span>says: 8.0</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p class="MsoNormal">The manager sent out an unchanged front and midfield line from the previous match. It may have taken the last few games to remind us just how pivotal Jordi Alba is when fit so Lucho was correct in reintroducing the man from L'Hospitalet who went on to assist the winning goal. The inclusion of Vermaelen Bartra was a surprise if only because we've used to seeing him fill in that slot at centre back. Vermaelen turned in an excellent performance, aerially dominant if somewhat cautious with his passing output. Another decision vindicated by the manager who also made the correct call in replacing Alves with Roberto. The game wasn't pretty but after the two previous results, find us a Culé who won't be happy about it!</p>
</div>
</td>
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<tbody>
<tr style="height: 50px;">
<td style="vertical-align: middle; font-size: 24px; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">MOTM - Sergi Roberto<br>
</td>
<td style="width: 50px; height: 50px; vertical-align: middle; font-size: 30px; text-align: center; color: white; background-color: #a2214b;"><i>29%</i></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="font-size: 12px; vertical-align: top;">
<div style="font-size: 12px;" class="statcont">
<br>
<div class="dots"><span class="statwords"><i><b>Bostjan says: Roberto</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>In what has to be the closest three-man race in BB history, it was the midfielder turned right-back, Roberto, who won the Man of the Match award. Roberto edged Vermaelen, who finished in second place, by just two percent. Suarez completed the podium with 22%.</p>
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</td>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/27/9206223/la-liga-athletic-bilbao-0-1-fc-barcelona-player-ratingsBostjan Cernensek2015-08-23T21:20:02+02:002015-08-23T21:20:02+02:00Bilbao 0-1 Barça: Review
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KnEQE6H4c9ixGTFugblEJb_S33A=/0x60:3000x2060/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014914/GettyImages-485018314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A recap of Barcelona's first win of the new La Liga season.
</p> <p align="justify">Starting the game, Barcelona were coming up against a familiar opponent. The Catalan club have already played Athletic twice this season thanks to the Supercopa and the wounds from that defeat are still fresh.</p>
<p align="justify">Therefore you would expect a lively start from Barça as they look to seek revenge but the opening stages were all a bit tame. Athletic were smart about absorbing the early Barcelona pressure and neither side registered a shot on target during the opening minutes. The high press of the Basques succeeded in limiting <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona's</a> ability to create clear-cut chances.</p>
<p align="justify">With an already thread-bare back four, Luis Enrique's selection headache got a little worse on the 18th minute mark. <span>Dani Alves</span> looked to overextended his groin in a challenge and it became quickly apparent that the Brazilian wouldn't be able to continue. With no recognised full back on the bench, <span>Sergi Roberto</span> was the man asked to do the job he had experimented with during pre-season. Much to the amusement of some but it was Roberto who was involved in the next Barça attack.</p>
<p align="justify">The midfielder-turned-right back chased after a ball and managed to get a cross in. The ball found <span>Lionel Messi</span> who had effort ricochet off Elustondo's arm. Replays showed that the Bilbao defender made no real attempt to get his arm out of the way and a penalty should've been awarded. But replays showed that even further back, the ball from Roberto that started the attack was well over the line and should've been given as a goal kick.</p>
<p align="justify">Four minutes later and it was Atheltic's turn to have a go at goal. A cheap free kick was conceded and Beñat stepped up, looking to deliver a ball that Aduriz would have a chance with. He did exactly that and the striker's header was just wide of the Barça net.</p>
<p align="justify">Perhaps still feeling aggrieved by the penalty that got away, Barça were awarded a spot kick just ten minutes after the initial appeal. Luis Suárez controlled the ball excellently before turning back away from goal. As he did so, Elustondo kicked the ball and also a little of Suárez but enough for the Uruguayan to go down. It looked a soft decision but it was given and Lionel Messi stepped up.</p>
<p align="justify">In truth, the effort was a terrible one. Messi went for placement but it didn't have the power or the precision to get past Gorka Iraizoz as the keeper dived to his right to keep it out. Questions now surely have to be asked about Messi being the first choice spot kick taker having experienced a torrid time from twelve yards.</p>
<p align="justify">Sergi Roberto continued to shine in his unconventional right back role. A long ball was excellently taken which allowed him to get space in the Bilbao box. He found Suárez who was denied by Iraizoz in Barça's attempt to open the scoring.</p>
<p align="justify">The teams went in level having not produced the most exciting half for their opening league fixture.</p>
<p align="justify">The second half started in the same vein as the first. Neither side creating any great chances bu both looking like they could find the net. However, it was Barcelona who did find the net for the first time. <span>Jordi Alba</span> burst down the left wing before volleying a ball into the box. Luis Suárez was inexplicably left wide open and a striker of his calibre gobbled up the chance. Lashing the ball past Iraizoz to make it 1-0 for the away side.</p>
<p align="justify">Putting in an impressive display, Sergi Roberto was again bombarding up the field. This time, he was found by Rafinha before rifling a shot against the bar. Barça were searching for the second and it was looking like they would need it with Athletic threatening on the counterattack.</p>
<p align="justify">It was turning into more and more of a battle than a football games and Barcelona were relying on their industrial players to see them through. Ivan Rakitić was cutting out chances while both <span>Sergio Busquets</span> and Andrés Iniesta were in the wars. The former did have to retire early on a stretcher, looking to have caused damage to his ankle. <span>Marc Bartra</span> replaced him in a move that furthered jumbled the Barça defence.</p>
<p align="justify">The game settled down with a single Lionel Messi chance coming before the final whistle. He dribbled his way through the defence but the shot was tame and easily saved. The match ended and Barcelona earned a tough opening three points.</p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MX4q_tfmP951xFTrzeXzUf7zWDmbiPBF-MbYwVLS37Y/viewform?embedded=true" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" frameborder="0" height="500" width="760">Loading...</iframe></p>
<h3>Roll Call</h3>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<thead>
<tr>
<th colspan="2">Roll Call Info</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="150">Total comments</td>
<td>975</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Total commenters</td>
<td>57</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Commenter list</td>
<td>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/91bigten">91bigten</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/A.%20J.%20Khan">A. J. Khan</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abdul%20S.">Abdul S.</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhishek-Cul%C3%A9">Abhishek-Culé</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AngusLB">AngusLB</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AraibKarim">AraibKarim</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Artemis11">Artemis11</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Awanish%20Jaiswal">Awanish Jaiswal</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ayush%20Tiwari">Ayush Tiwari</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bingiboy">Bingiboy</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bostjan%20Cernensek">Bostjan Cernensek</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CoolCul%C3%A9">CoolCulé</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Daxterflames">Daxterflames</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Delano%20Heerkens">Delano Heerkens</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DerkSensei">DerkSensei</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FCB4Ever">FCB4Ever</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jerome%20Mizzi">Jerome Mizzi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/King%20Kunta0008">King Kunta0008</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KiwiBarca">KiwiBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LocoZZZ">LocoZZZ</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LotusV3">LotusV3</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MMcCoy11_FCB">MMcCoy11_FCB</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mihaly">Mihaly</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PG9">PG9</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piyush_">Piyush_</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Prcho">Prcho</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rajesh1101s">Rajesh1101s</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ruy%20Diaz">Ruy Diaz</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Saurabh%20Gautam">Saurabh Gautam</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SlightlyInsaneCule">SlightlyInsaneCule</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Som-i-Serem">Som-i-Serem</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Steven%20Cordero">Steven Cordero</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Swn.Cul%C3%A9">Swn.Culé</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tokjee">Tokjee</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Trifitology">Trifitology</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ViscaViscaBarca">ViscaViscaBarca</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Willis1984">Willis1984</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ade%20fox">ade fox</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/barca4life1273">barca4life1273</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig00000">craig00000</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cruyffish">cruyffish</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/defeaning_silence">defeaning_silence</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/feeya7">feeya7</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/giveittomessi">giveittomessi</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/henderick.mitchell">henderick.mitchell</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kyle.johansen.336">kyle.johansen.336</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ledhe">ledhe</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/michael.olivier">michael.olivier</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nahmynameisantoine">nahmynameisantoine</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/neymarinho_10">neymarinho_10</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/no.8thedemigod">no.8thedemigod</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/saijaikumar">saijaikumar</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/shubham2806">shubham2806</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syredeathtrooper">syredeathtrooper</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/uday%20kakoti">uday kakoti</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/waseem10">waseem10</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>Story URLs</td>
<td>
<div><a href="http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9193755/la-liga-athletic-bilbao-vs-fc-barcelona-live-game-thread">http://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9193755/la-liga-athletic-bilbao-vs-fc-barcelona-live-game-thread</a></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ade%20fox">ade fox</a></td>
<td>132</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Delano%20Heerkens">Delano Heerkens</a></td>
<td>87</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Artemis11">Artemis11</a></td>
<td>84</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rajesh1101s">Rajesh1101s</a></td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ruy%20Diaz">Ruy Diaz</a></td>
<td>63</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bostjan%20Cernensek">Bostjan Cernensek</a></td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AraibKarim">AraibKarim</a></td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abhishek-Cul%C3%A9">Abhishek-Culé</a></td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/barca4life1273">barca4life1273</a></td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Som-i-Serem">Som-i-Serem</a></td>
<td>33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Piyush_">Piyush_</a></td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/A.%20J.%20Khan">A. J. Khan</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Prcho">Prcho</a></td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/craig00000">craig00000</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/FCB4Ever">FCB4Ever</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/syredeathtrooper">syredeathtrooper</a></td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KiwiBarca">KiwiBarca</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Steven%20Cordero">Steven Cordero</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Trifitology">Trifitology</a></td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Saurabh%20Gautam">Saurabh Gautam</a></td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Anders%20Thomassen">Anders Thomassen</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SlightlyInsaneCule">SlightlyInsaneCule</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ViscaViscaBarca">ViscaViscaBarca</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/giveittomessi">giveittomessi</a></td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/uday%20kakoti">uday kakoti</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/saijaikumar">saijaikumar</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Awanish%20Jaiswal">Awanish Jaiswal</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Daxterflames">Daxterflames</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Jerome%20Mizzi">Jerome Mizzi</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tokjee">Tokjee</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/defeaning_silence">defeaning_silence</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/henderick.mitchell">henderick.mitchell</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/MMcCoy11_FCB">MMcCoy11_FCB</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nahmynameisantoine">nahmynameisantoine</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DerkSensei">DerkSensei</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/kyle.johansen.336">kyle.johansen.336</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Willis1984">Willis1984</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/CoolCul%C3%A9">CoolCulé</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Bingiboy">Bingiboy</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Ayush%20Tiwari">Ayush Tiwari</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cruyffish">cruyffish</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/AngusLB">AngusLB</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LocoZZZ">LocoZZZ</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/no.8thedemigod">no.8thedemigod</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/neymarinho_10">neymarinho_10</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Swn.Cul%C3%A9">Swn.Culé</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/PG9">PG9</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/91bigten">91bigten</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Abdul%20S.">Abdul S.</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/michael.olivier">michael.olivier</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ledhe">ledhe</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>52</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mihaly">Mihaly</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/shubham2806">shubham2806</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>54</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LotusV3">LotusV3</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>55</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/waseem10">waseem10</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>56</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/feeya7">feeya7</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>57</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/King%20Kunta0008">King Kunta0008</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9194385/athletic-bilbao-0-1-f-c-barcelona-match-reviewSam Cooper2015-08-23T20:24:53+02:002015-08-23T20:24:53+02:00Barça survive Bilbao, win league opener
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7ztogwt7JkueP5awALPM54SgSgc=/0x22:3000x2022/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014760/GettyImages-485015250.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Denis Doyle/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> won the opening match of the 2015-16 season in difficult fashion, battling until the end to get a narrow 1-0 victory at the always tough San Mamés against a warrior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a>. In a game full of referee mistakes, injuries and bad football, the <i>Blaugrana</i> got the job done, which is all that matters.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>FIRST HALF</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>The first 45 minutes, apart from a few seconds of excitement/disappointment, were one of the most boring, badly officiated, unwatchable halves in recent history. Instead of doing the expected, Athletic decided to sit back and not press high for at least 80% of the game. That seemed to have caught Barça, presumably prepared to find alternatives to the full-court press, completely off guard. The Bilbao midfielders locked Iniesta and Rakitic down, which resulted in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blaugrana</i> having to use the center-backs and Busquets to try and create something.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>To make things worse, <span>Dani Alves</span> injured himself and had to come off. His replacement, <span>Sergi Roberto</span>, however, had a very good impact, providing a good offensive threat on the right side. But the creativity still didn’t show up, and the Catalans eventually found a weird penalty, which Messi missed. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>My god, that was boring.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>SECOND HALF</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>After a very unexciting half, we finally got to see a true football match after halftime, especially from Barça. The Blaugranes were much better, with better passes, greater player movement and overall higher intensity. The injury to left-back Balenziaga weakened <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Los Leones</i> on defense, and Barça instantly took advantage. A spectacular Rakitic lob found <span>Jordi Alba</span>, who crossed it to Luis Suárez, and the Uruguayan buried home the first score with a powerful left-footed shot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>With the goal came a lot more confidence, and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Blaugrana</i> started to finally dominate, pin Athletic down on their half and create chances, which included a beautiful shot by Roberto, who hit the crossbar. But another injury affected the game heavily. Aduriz stepped on Busquets’ ankle, and the midfielder had to leave for Bartra. Bilbao had no chance but to blitz in search of the equalizer, but a strong defensive display by <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span> alongside his partners secured a tough, but huge victory to start La Liga with a much-needed win.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><span>Even better, Barça had their first clean sheet in almost four months (official games only), which is very comforting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Barcelona: </span></b><span>Bravo; Alves (Roberto), Mascherano, Vermaelen, Alba; Busquets (B</span><span>artra), Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suárez, Rafinha (Sandro)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span>Goal: Suárez (54’)</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span>Athletic: </span></b><span>Iraizoz; De Marcos, Elustondo, Laporte, Balenziaga (Bóveda); Mikel Rico (Gurpegi), Beñat, Eraso; Susaeta, Aduriz, Sabin Merino (Ibai Gómez)</span></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9194279/athletic-bilbao-barcelona-la-liga-instant-recap-final-scoreRenato Gonçalves2015-08-23T17:42:21+02:002015-08-23T17:42:21+02:00La Liga: Athletic vs Barça: Live Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v6tNQjt-qd9OLTePwpnvCRxnZtw=/0x52:2193x1514/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47014204/GettyImages-483126858.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Live thread for the La Liga opening match between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona.</p> <p align="center">La Liga: Jornada 1<br>San Mames, Bilbao<br>Kickoff: Sunday, 23 August 2015, 18:30 CET<br>Referee: Carlos del Cerro Grande</p>
<p align="justify">Line-ups:</p>
<p align="justify"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a> (4-3-3): 1. Gorka Iraizoz; 10. Óscar de Marcos, 3. Gorka Elustondo, 4. Aymeric Laporte, 24. Mikel Balenziaga; 7. Beñat Etxebarria, 17. Mikel Rico, 5. Javier Eraso; 14. Markel Susaeta, 20. Aritz Aduriz, 25. Sabin Merino</p>
<p align="justify">Bench: 13. Iago Herrerín, 30. Iñigo Lekue, 2. Eneko Bóveda, 18. Carlos Gurpegui, 23. Ager Aketxe, 11. Ibai Gómez, 21. Borja Viguera</p>
<p align="justify">Coach: Ernesto Valverde</p>
<p align="justify">***</p>
<p align="justify">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> (4-3-3): <span>Claudio Bravo</span>; <span>Dani Alves</span>, <span>Javier Mascherano</span>, <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span>, <span>Jordi Alba</span>; <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, Andrés Iniesta, Ivan Rakitić; <span>Lionel Messi</span>, Luis Suárez, Rafinha Alcântara</p>
<p align="justify">Bench: Marc-André ter Stegen, <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <span>Sergi Roberto</span>, Gerard Gumbau, Juan Camara, Munir El Haddadi, Sandro Ramirez, Pedro Rodríguez</p>
<p align="justify">Coach: <span>Luis Enrique</span></p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9193755/la-liga-athletic-bilbao-vs-fc-barcelona-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2015-08-23T16:43:08+02:002015-08-23T16:43:08+02:00Bilbao-Barça, La Liga: Key Battles
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<p>Today's match represents a chance for Barcelona to set things right and start the 2015/16 campaign with a win. There are some battles on the pitch that would be key to kicking off the new season with a win.</p> <p align="justify">Today's match represents a chance for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> to set things right and start the 2015/16 campaign with much-needed victory after the Supercopa debacle. The only positive from last week's sporting disaster at San Mamés would be the abrupt wake-up call the team received, emphasising the need to guard against complacency after all the talk of the Sextete. Today's opponents, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a>, are very much a personification of what it means to play as a team - with their ferocious team spirit and willingness to lay everything on the line for each other.</p>
<p align="justify">These are some battles on the pitch that would be key to kicking off the new season with a win.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Aritz Aduriz vs Barça centrebacks</b></p>
<p align="justify">Aritz Aduriz is a proven La Liga striker and will be looking to add to the 4 goals he scored over the past week. With his undoubted aerial threat, smart off-ball movement and high work ethic, the Barça centrebacks - expected to be <span>Marc Bartra</span> and <span>Javier Mascherano</span> - will be in for a tough contest. As Los Leones' spearhead in attack, Aduriz will be looking to get in behind the Barça defence as well as serve as the focal point for long passes which the Basque outfit use to trigger swift counter-attacks. After last week's happenings, we know just how important it would be to blunt Athletic's threat by neutralising the 34-year-old. Iñaki Williams will be constantly looking to link-up with Aduriz. The youngster will be a threat with his pace.</p>
<p align="justify">Another important factor is the need for <span>Claudio Bravo</span> to be confident and assertive when dealing with set piece situations.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Athletic press vs Barça CB-DM triangle(Bartra-Busquets-Mascherano)</b></p>
<p align="justify">How well Barça deal with the high intense pressing from Athletic will have a pivotal role in how the match plays out. Athletic's pressing in the 1st leg of the Supercopa resulted in mistakes from Barça when the team tried to build play from the back. Granted, that was an under-strength XI and so we should see a better performance against the Athletic press. <span>Sergio Busquets</span> will be key in this area, with his masterful reading of the game and ability to move the ball quickly as the link between defence and the likes of Ivan Rakitić and Andrés Iniesta further forward.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Athletic defence vs Luis Suarez</b></p>
<p align="justify">Athletic's back line are extremely well-drilled and organised, with Aymeric Laporte an obvious standout name. The holding midfielders have a good understanding with their centrebacks. This allows Athletic to squeeze the space between the defence and midfield lines. Luis Suárez adds a crucial dimension in attack by playing on the last shoulder and always looking for a way in behind the opposition defence. This threat that he poses often stretches defences, giving his team-mates more space to play in between the lines. If Suárez has a good game and is as dangerous a threat as we all know he can be, the Athletic defence would be forced to drop deeper and concede more space to Messi and Iniesta et al.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>The battle down Athletic's right flank - Barça's left flank</b></p>
<p align="justify">Neymar's absence will be sorely felt, as it has been in the recent double-header against today's opponents. We all saw the destruction that the MSN trio can wreak on opposition defences. Any player that plays in Neymar's role today will be of a lower standard. The organic fluidity of MSN meant the entire opposition back line would have their hands full, allowing the likes of Rakitić to break forward into the box. Things should be better with <span>Jordi Alba</span> back in the side. Athletic's right-sided players - the effervescent Óscar de Marcos and the creative Markel Susaeta - provide good attacking thrust for Ernesto Valverde's men, with Beñat playing diagonal passes to the right flank. Their threat will have to be minimised by Jordi Alba and Rafinha.</p>
<p align="justify"><br>Hopefully Barca win these key battles and we start this new 2015/16 season with a win!</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9192853/la-liga-bilbao-barca-key-battlesMark Ooi2015-08-23T11:30:01+02:002015-08-23T11:30:01+02:00Bilbao-Barça, La Liga: How to Watch
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<figcaption>David Ramos/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p align="justify">La Liga is back! The League of Stars returns for another exciting season, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> having to fight hard to defend their title, and the road to back-to-back trophies starts on Sunday, when they visit San Mamés for the second time in 9 days to face <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a>, in a fourth domestic game in a row between the teams.</p>
<p align="justify">After beating the Basque side to win the Copa del Rey last May, Barça faced <i>Los Leones</i> twice in three days in the Spanish Supercup, and the dream of a Sextuple in 2015 for the Blaugranes was killed by an emphatic 5-1 aggregate loss, including a 4-0 destruction at the site of this Sunday's league debut. With fresher legs and an improved defense, the Catalan giants have better chances to win at the always tough <i>La Catedral.</i></p>
<p align="justify">Should be a fun game to watch, and you must not miss.</p>
<h4 align="justify"><b>Match Info, How to Watch</b></h4>
<p align="justify"><b>Date/Time</b>: Sunday, August 23rd, 2015, 12:30pm ET, 9:30am PT, 5:30pm BST, 6:30pm CET, 10:30pm IST</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Venue: </b>San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain</p>
<p align="justify"><b>TV: </b>beIN Sports (US - English), beIN Sports en Español (US - Spanish), beIN Sports (Canada), Canal+ La Liga (Spain), Sky Sports 3 (UK), Sony Six (India), <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1634898/athletic-club-vs-barcelona/">more</a></p>
<p align="justify"><b>Online: </b>beIN Sports Connect, FuboTV (US), beIN Sports Connect (Canada), Sky GO (UK), <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1634898/athletic-club-vs-barcelona/">more</a></p>
<p align="justify">(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/1634898/athletic-club-vs-barcelona/">Listings via LiveSoccerTV</a>)</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9192635/athletic-bilbao-barcelona-2015-la-liga-tv-online-streaming-infoRenato Gonçalves2015-08-23T10:29:40+02:002015-08-23T10:29:40+02:00Predict the Score: Barca vs Athletic
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<figcaption>Alex Caparros/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A chance for you to predict the score of tonight's La Liga opener between FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao at San Mames</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Third time lucky? After slumping to a draw and a defeat in their last two showdowns with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a>, FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> will be hoping to emerge victorious in this third match-up of the season as they aim to kick off their La Liga title defense with a win in the Basque Country. Thus far, goals have been in short supply in this opening weekend of the La Liga season, but there's no reason to expect that trend will continue in this evening's early kick-off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Lionel Messi</span>, Luis Suarez and Aritz Aduriz represent three of the best strikers in the division, and with Gerard Pique suspended, we can probably expect goals from both sides. Indeed, in midweek, Ernesto Valverde's side shipped three second-half goals to Slovakian side, MK Zilina and if that's anything to go by, then maybe the Blaugrana have every reason to feel confident.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe we can ignore the fact that Gerard Gumbau and Juan Camara have been called up to the matrchday squad...</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Sure, we're still missing a few key personnel, and a number of others are probably someway off 100%, but we can still do this. Think of how well we started last season, even following the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">FIFA World Cup</a>? There's no reason at all why we can't emulate that this season too and get our title defense off to the best possible start.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">How do you see this one going? Will Barca pick up the win, or will Athletic frustrate us once again? Predict the score of tonight's match by commenting with your prediction below. Best of luck!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/23/9193291/la-liga-athletic-bllbao-vs-fc-barcelona-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2015-08-22T20:14:27+02:002015-08-22T20:14:27+02:00Bilbao-Barça, La Liga: Preview
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<figcaption>Alex Caparros/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Barcelona's La Liga opener against Athletic Club at San Mames</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> will be hoping to kick-start their La Liga title defense with a win tomorrow when they travel to the Basque Country for the second time this season to take on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/">Athletic Bilbao</a> at San Mames. Of course, the Blaugrana will not have happy memories of their previous trip; it was their first match on Spanish soil this campaign and hot off the heels of being crowned UEFA Super Cup winners, Barça were roundly humiliated and played off the park by their Basque counterparts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A wonder goal from Mikel San Jose and a hat-trick from Aritz Adutriz secured an emphatic 4-0 victory for Ernesto Valverde’s silverware-starved side; a win that ultimately proved to be enough to end their three decade long trophy drought. Barcelona fought valiantly in the second-leg, but they couldn’t overturn the deficit. Heck, they couldn’t even avenge the loss as they stumbled over the line to register a 1-1 draw.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The ramifications of that night continue to come in thick and fast; Gerard Pique begins his four-match ban tomorrow for his foul-mouthed tirade against the assistant referee and if the first-leg is anything to go by, his absence could cost the Blaugrana dear.</p>
<p><span>On the other hand, Barcelona almost always start the season well; the last time they failed to win the opening match of the La Liga season was in 2008 under Pep Guardiola – that’s six wins on the bounce since then. Can they extend that streak to seven tomorrow? I can’t wait to find out.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Gerard Pique is suspended. Jeremy Mathieu is injured. Neymar is still working his way back to match fitness. If we really want to get all "defeatist" about this one, Xavi is gone, so is <span>Carles Puyol</span> and apparently we don’t have Ronaldinho anymore either. I understand what people are doing; Barcelona are missing some key players but you know what, that shouldn’t be an excuse and it shouldn’t be a factor in tomorrow’s match.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">If we let it affect us, well, that’s a failure on our part.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">This squad, give or take a few players, is the same squad that cruised to the La Liga title and eviscerated all-comers to claim a fifth UEFA Champions League crown. Travelling to the Basque Country is never easy, but it isn’t an impossible challenge either.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Above all else, we still have the talent to overwhelm Athletic – it’s merely a question of whether the belief, whether the sharpness is there to properly execute the gameplan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In goal, I expect to see <span>Claudio Bravo</span> start – and for all the rumours of a change this season, I expect the situation to remain the same as 2014/15. Bravo will start in La Liga, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen takes care of us in the cup competitions – it’s fair, and it worked pretty well last time out. Having said that, I remain a huge Bravo fan – and I will feel a lot more confident of our chances tomorrow with the Chilean between the posts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">And why is that? Not only do I think that Bravo is a better goalkeeper at present, but I also believe that his experience is a difference-maker; his leadership doesn’t just help our defense – it <i>makes </i>our defense. So, even with Gerard Pique suspended, we are still capable of keeping a clean sheet and that’s tanks in no small part to Bravo.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Dani Alves</span> will start at right-back, ideally in better form than his last visit to San Mames while Gerard Pique’s suspension puts <span>Luis Enrique</span> in a bit of quandary. Does he put his faith in <span>Marc Bartra</span>, or <span>Thomas Vermaelen</span>? The options aren’t great, at least based on previous performance against the Basques, but that’s all we’ve got. My money is on Marc Bartra, purely because <span>Javier Mascherano</span> occupies the left-sided berth that Vermaelen would prefer.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, <span>Jordi Alba</span> has recovered in time for tomorrow’s match – and it’ll be a shock if he isn’t immediately thrusted back into the starting line-up ahead of Adriano.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In midfield, <span>Sergio Busquets</span> is without competition, while Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta are simply better options than anything else we have. Plus, the departure of Pedro has left a Rafinha-sized hole in the attacking triumvirate – I mean, we know that neither Munir El Haddadi or Sandro are going to start alongside <span>Lionel Messi</span> and Luis Suarez in this one, right?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>ATHLETIC BILBAO</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">You want to know why I think we can beat Athletic Bilbao tomorrow? Spoiler: it’s because they are eminently beatable. Proof? MK Zilina managed to pick up the victory over Los Leones on Thursday; it may have taken a last-minute winner and an astounding second-half comeback, but they managed it. And what does that say of Ernesto Valverde’s side?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Firstly, it says that they have an important match coming up this Thursday – they’ll need a win to reach the UEFA Europa League group stage and that has to be a priority for the club. Secondly, it arguably shows how much those two performance against Barcelona have taken out of them. They’re feeling the effects just as much as we were after Tbilisi; let’s take advantage.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Expect changes from the side that lost in Slovakia; the most obvious to note will be the returns of Gorka Iraizoz and Aritz Aduriz, while a special mention should also be afforded to Oscar de Marcos and Benat who came off the bench in the losing effort.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona: WLD</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Athletic Club: WDWDL</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FC Barcelona 1-1 Athletic Bilbao – 17<sup>th</sup> August 2015 – Spanish Supercopa</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Stop me if you know how this one ends…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona (4-3-3): Bravo; Alves, Bartra, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Rafinha</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span>Athletic (4-3-3): Iraizoz; de Marcos, Laporte, Gurpegi, Balenziaga; San Jose, Benat, Mikel Rico; Susaeta, Aduriz, Eraso</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A close one, but Barça should do enough this time round to pick up the W and get the season off to a strong start.</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2015/8/22/9191733/la-liga-athletic-bilbao-vs-fc-barcelona-match-previewArron Duckling