Barcelona continued their flawless start to the La Liga season with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at a lively, partially-rebuilt Camp Nou. Raphinha broke the deadlock in the 37th minute, rounding the goalkeeper to slide home after being played through by Pedri. Fermin Lopez sealed the victory late on, capitalizing on a defensive error to net Barca’s second.
New midfield signing Rodri made his debut off the bench, while Anthony Gordon was handed his first start. Coach Hansi Flick kept Raphinha in a makeshift striker role, and the Brazilian responded with another decisive performance. “It doesn’t matter which position Rapha plays, as a captain he’s shown total commitment to this team, to this club,” Flick said.
Barca created numerous chances, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing strong saves from Athletic keeper Unai Simon. Teenage star Lamine Yamal showed signs of returning to form after injury, striking the crossbar and setting up late chances.
Athletic almost equalized through Oihan Sancet, but Barcelona’s dominance was rewarded as Lopez tucked away a loose ball after Laporte’s mishap. Substitute Karim Adeyemi also came close to a third, denied only by Simon’s reflexes.
Rodri, reflecting on his debut, praised the team and Yamal’s improving performance: “The goals will come because the talent is there.”
With two wins from two, Barcelona look composed and confident as they aim to defend their La Liga crown and push for Champions League glory, while Athletic seek to bounce back after two opening defeats under new coach Edin Terzic.
