Memphis Depay's blistering strike earn Barcelona draw at Athletic Bilbao (Match Highlights)

Memphis Depay's blistering strike earn 10-man Barcelona away draw at Athletic Bilbao (Match Highlights)

Barcelona climbed to the top of La Liga on goal difference as Memphis Depay salvaged a point in an entertaining draw against Athletic Bilbao.

After Athletic Bilbao had dominated, Depay blasted beyond into the roof of the net to cancel out Inigo Martinez's headed opener.

Both teams struck the crossbar and squandered numerous opportunities to take all three points.

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was sent off in injury time for fouling Nico Williams when he was clean through.

There is no doubt that Ronald Koeman's side are in transition - the absence of Lionel Messi has left them searching for a new talisman and devising new ways to win.

However, they may have found a new hero in Depay. He scored a blistering first goal for the club and had a chance to score the winner late on, but dragged wide.

Bilbao detected weakness early on and tore into their illustrious visitors.

Inaki Williams tormented a nervous-looking Barcelona defence, while strike partner Ohian Sancet struck the crossbar with a deft swivel and shot.

Gerard Pique went off due to an injury for Koeman's side midway through the first half, and Ronald Araujo's spectacular goal was disallowed for a Martin Braithwaite foul.

Frenkie de Jong's impudent chip came close to levelling the score before Depay's strike - but Koeman faces defensive problems in next week's home match against Getafe after Garcia was sent off for hauling down Williams in stoppage time.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will have the opportunity to leapfrog Barcelona if they win their respective games on Sunday.

Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Barcelona: Watch the match highlights

✅ First @FCBarcelona goal for @Memphis!
✅ First goal of the season for @InigoMartinez!

Sit back and enjoy the highlights from #AthleticBarça! 🍿#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/hD8erPkRly

— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) August 21, 2021