Bilbao 1 Barcelona 0: Aritz Aduriz nets late acrobatic screamer to ruin Griezmann’s debut in La Liga opener

ARITZ ADURIZ struck a stunning late overhead kick to give Atheltic Bilbao a dramatic 1-0 win over Barcelona in the first La Liga game of the season. 

The hosts were on top for the majority of the game and thoroughly deserved the victory the veteran striker secured on 88 minutes.

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Despite the assured performance from the home side Luis Suarez had the best first half chance when he smashed an effort against the post on the half hour mark.

Inaki Williams came close twice for the hosts before the break as they looked the stronger team but Marc Andre Ter Stegen was in the way on both occasions as the sides went in level.

STUNNING STRIKE

Suarez was subbed off with a knock in the first half and with Lionel Messi also missing with a calf injury, Barca looked blunt in attack.

But at 38 years old veteran striker Aduriz stole the show with his awesome late effort from 15 yards out that sent the Basque fans into euphoria.

Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong made their La Liga debuts for the Catalans as they began their campaign looking to retain the Spanish league title.

Bilbao dominated the first 45 and Williams should have capitalised on the home side's pressure.

The pacey forward broke through after just seven minutes when Ousmane Demebele lost the ball in sloppy fashion but Andre Ter Stegen was equal to his effort - tipping it round the post.

And just ten minutes later Williams broke down the left again but his left footed effort was weak and Ter Stegen was equal to it.

Suarez pulled up on the half hour mark and despite crashing an effort off the post after Unai Lopez' suicide pass, had to make way for Rafinha shortly after.

The substitute had an almost instant impact stinging the fingertips of Unai Simon with a left foot shot from distance that cannoned back off the bar.

Ivan Rakitic replaced Carles Alena shortly after half-time and Barca began to regain control.

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But other than a Rakitic effort from 12 yards out midway through the half chances were few and far between.

But Aduriz was not happy to settle for a point.

And despite his side's desperate defending, he hovered on the edge of the box as Ander Capa hared down the right-wing on the counter, and rose like a gazelle to slam the ball home in emphatic fashion to trigger jubilant scenes around the impressive San Mamés Stadium.

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