Barcelona started their league title defense with a disappointing showing and a loss against Athletic Bilbao. A curious midfield alongside numerous below par performances from certain individuals left Barcelona more or less powerless against a highly energized home side who were propelled to victory by a late Aritz Aduriz goal, who joined play just moments earlier.
Due to injury, Barcelona were forced to start the La Liga season without Lionel Messi, but the front three still posed plenty of dangerous names, with Antoine Griezmann making his debut. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong also featured in his first official Barcelona match, surprisingly alongside Sergi Roberto and Carles Alena.