FC Barcelona

Athletic fall to narrow defeat against Barça

Although Los Leones deserved more, a late goal from newcomer Marc Guiu proved decisive in the LaLiga classic

Athletic Club fell just short. Not even at Montjuic could the Lions end their poor run on their visits to FC Barcelona. A goal from Marc Guiu in his first professional match means Athletic come back to Bilbao without a well-deserved point.

The LaLiga classic, both sides' 3,000th match in the competition, started with Athletic looking to cause an upset.

Ander Herrera pulled out from the starting XI after suffering a muscle injury in the warm-up. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta took Ander's place and was in fine form as picked up where he left off before his own injury.

Ernesto Valverde's side pressed high and unsettled Barça backline from from the start. Iñaki Williams fired the first warning shot, forcing a save from Marc-André ter Stegen. Barcelona looked to respond. Joao Félix hit the crossbar and Unai Simón saved a close-range effort from Fermin López.

Athletic grew in attack and Iñaki once again made Barca's goalkeeper look sharp. Yuri Berchiche picked up a knock and was replaced by Iñigo Lekue. The replacement was involved from the off, playing through Nico Williams, whose left-footed effort was kept out by Ter Stegen's foot.

In the second half, Athletic got into Barça box less but were also rarely troubled at the back, except for a double save from Joao Felix and Fermín.

Marc Guiu's goal in the 80th was a bitter blow. The young forward, just onside, latched on to a pass from Felix and although Simon got a touch to the shot, he couldn't stop it crossing the line.