Lionel Messi saw his 30th-minute penalty saved by Gorka Iraizoz as Athletic Bilbao frustrated treble winners Barcelona in the La Liga opener at San Mames Stadium this evening.
Bilbao, who showed off the Spanish Super Cup trophy before kickoff, began the game cautiously, sitting back and allowing the champions to dominate possession.
A quiet opening 20 minutes saw no real chances, with the only moment of note coming when Dani Alves had to be replaced by Sergi Roberto after suffering a knock.
An effort on goal finally arrived two minutes later when Barca captain Andres Iniesta and Messi both had shots blocked inside the Bilbao penalty area, before Luis Enrique's side had an appeal for a penalty turned down after what looked like a handball from Gorka Elustondo.
A golden opportunity arrived on the half-hour mark when Luis Suarez was adjudged to have been tripped inside the area by Elustondo despite the home side's protests.
However, Bilbao will feel that justice was served after the soft decision as Messi's spot kick was saved superbly by Iraizoz.
Barca had another great opportunity 10 minutes before the whistle when Suarez's effort was stopped by Iraizoz, and Elustondo blocked another strike from the Uruguayan as the sides headed into the break goalless.
Tom Nightingale
