Athletic Bilbao began the 2026/27 season with a 2-0 defeat away to reigning champions FC Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. The lions could not contain the offensive whirlwind of Hansi Flick's side and left Les Corts empty-handed.
The match was decided at two key moments. Raphinha, the cornerstone of Barça's attack, opened the scoring in the 37th minute after an earlier shot hit the post. The Brazilian beat Unai Simón, who had been a tough barrier until then. The second came in the final minutes, when Fermín López pounced on a loose ball in the area to seal the game.
Athletic tried to react after the break and managed more possession. However, the introduction of the experienced Rodri from the home bench ultimately shored up Barcelona's control in midfield. Ernesto Valverde's men, seeking a positive result in their opener, found a very solid opponent in their home debut.
The defeat leaves the red-and-whites pointless after the first matchday, while Barcelona sit provisionally at the top of the table. The Basque team will now have the chance to correct course at San Mamés. Their next LaLiga commitment is against Valencia, a match already listed on our fixtures page.
Unai Simón, despite conceding two goals, made several notable saves. His performance will be one of the few positive aspects the coaching staff can take from a difficult afternoon in Catalonia. The international goalkeeper was key to preventing a heavier scoreline in the first half.
The team now turns its focus to preparing for the first home game. The San Mamés crowd eagerly awaits the league debut at home, where support could be decisive in getting the first points of the campaign. The full squad and their fitness status can be checked on the official squad page.
With this initial defeat, Athletic Bilbao starts a path intended for continuous improvement. The week's work will be intense to correct defensive errors and sharpen the attack. The immediate objective is clear: to win on the next outing to the Cathedral.
