RAKITIC SCORES, SENDING BARCELONA TO TOP OF THE TABLE

Barcelona continued their brilliant form in the new campaign, defeating Athletic Bilbao by a single goal in a hard-fought match.

The score line was not unexpected following their 6-2 banger against Real Betis at Nou Camp.

Arda Turan continued his fine start in the new campaign, scoring a goal in the fifth minute but it was ruled out for offside. Seven minutes later, Bilbao almost got the first goal due to the error of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. He sent the ball to the path of Benat Etxebarria, but he still able to save the goal-bound effort.

Barcelona took the game to their opponents, breaking through in the 20th minute. Turan and Luis Suarez combined well but Rakitic was the target as he picked out a cross heading the ball beyond the reach of Gorka Iraizoz. The firm header ensured Barcelona controlled the pace of the game.

The Catalan club was without key additions in Neymar who is set to return only after the international break. Andres Iniesta is expected to return after the break as well as he picked up a knee injury in the 2-0 win in the Super Cup first leg match against Sevilla.

Ter Stegen was forced to make two saves to keep the ball from the net as Aritz Aduriz and Benat made their attempts at goal. Messi and Turan combined well but the ball ended in the side netting. Immediately after the second half, Messi was the first to get a clear attempt at goal, but he sent the ball to the right hand corner a little too wide. In the 57th minute, Suarez volley went wide after Sergi Roberto picked him unmarked. Both sides continued with attacks but Barcelona got better chance but they couldn’t change the score-line.