Really not sure what to make of this lineup - except Doom's Day Protocol has been activated.

I mean, JEEZ! For all the talent we had at the start of the season, somehow almost every single one we were excited about have found ways to get injured and in the most ridiculous of circumstances. At first it's just a precaution. Then, he's out for 2-3 days and should be available next week. Then, he's out for a week or two and before you know it...oh, the injury seems more serious than we anticipated and he will not be available for 1-2-3 months!

This is not just a one off event really - this has actually become the norm with injuries this season.

Anyways, back to the lineup. I'm okay with Ferran Torres starting up front, although he has proven to be better as an impact sub off the bench rather than starting. But with lewandowski out injured, I guess he is alright and I hope he delivers. But Fermin Lopez at the right wing, I don't know how I feel about that. But somehow we have both our first and second choices in that position injured.

The midfield is decent. But with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri both injured, we are really really stretched there. We really can not afford ANY more injuries there.

And the defense - injuries to our defenders last year were what cost us dearly in the champions league. And once again, we have joules kounde who has by far been our best player this season, injured. And Araujo himself just returned from an injury. So Inigo Martinez and Andres Christiensen starts. Christiensen has been great at the left, wonder how well he is going to fare on the right. I was quite excited to see Inigo Martinez, but his first match in barca shirt was not great. Let's hope he finds his groove soon. We need that, fast!

Start

Athletic Club has had a great start to the game. Barca can't really seem to get out of their own half. Athletic club has been very tight.

Seems like Fermin isn't really playing the left wing. He has slotted in a midfield four. Ferran and Felix staying very wide, either of the two will play the false 9 role. Barca does not play well with a 4 man midfield, we have seen this over and over again since the start of this season and we are seeing it again here today.

Brilliant play from Barca. Inigo martinez picks out Ferran torres who receives in beautifully, turns and he is off before setting felix up on goal. He just hits the post, Felix seems to be hitting the post too often these days. He need to start missing the post and find the net. We should have been leading.

Ooof! Great chance for Fermin Lopez! Great save from the Athletic keeper. Great, great play on the counter from Barca again and Fermin really seems to have a knack for the goal. Finds himself in good places. We need these goals from the midfield. Inigo Martinez is really finding those long balls well!

Oriol Romeu getting pressured into losing balls in dangerous areas. This could spell trouble for barca.

Brilliant save from Marc Andre Ter Stegen!

Ferran playing really well on the wings, cutting back in. Also, Inigo Martinez is finding him with beautiful long balls. Just not enough threat through the middle to make these plays count.

And now it seems Xavi has instructed Felix to play through the middle and fermin lopez will play wide on the left.

Oh! Terrible mistake from Ter Stegen, results in a corner.

Despite Barca having the better chances, I think we aren't really finding our rhythm.

What a block from Inigo Martinez! Denied Athletic Club a sure goal!

Another great save from Ter stegen! We have completely lost control of the game here.

Half Time! 0-0!

We have started the second half alright-ish. But still no threat down the middle.

Another big miss from Felix, this is getting frustrating now.

Lamine Yamal comes on for Oriol romeu. Romeu has had a bad game. Araujo comes on for Christiensen. Lamine yamal on the right wing and Ferran down the middle should bring more balance to our play.

And now Lamine Yamal wastes another fantastic opportunity to give us the lead. Frustration grows. If we don't win here, we only have ourselves to blame.

We really look out of ideas here. We are just kicking the ball around with no real conviction. Everyone looking quite rusty.

Marc Guiu, 17 year old kid comes on for Fermin Lopez. Desperate times, desperate measures and all that!

HOLY F*CKING HELL! He scores in less than a few seconds of his debut! And a typical striker's finish that! This kid got quality!

And that's that!

Full time, 1-0 to Barcelona!

Xavi's Hypertension Ball is back in full display!