There will undoubtedly be better days ahead for this Barcelona side, who were, frankly, comprehensively outplayed for long periods at San Mames.
A difficult game was expected against Athletic Club, and that’s exactly what transpired, and even with Lionel Messi in situ, the result may not have been too much different.
Maybe the Argentinian would’ve given Barca more of a cutting edge, but that narrative has to be binned now.
In the post-Messi era, it’s time to focus on the positives.
Gaining a 1-1 draw in the circumstances is certainly something for the plus column, and I’d suggest that I speak for the majority when I say that we would’ve all taken a point before the start of the match.