Barcelona secures a win in LaLiga as Yamal and Lewandowski propel the team past Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona continued their perfect start to the new La Liga season, securing a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Barcelona Olympic Stadium in their first home match of the 2024/25 campaign. This win extended their unbeaten streak against the Basque club to 23 consecutive home league games.

The early phases of the match were marked by a tactical chess game that limited the excitement for neutral fans, with the first real chance on goal not arriving until midway through the first half.

It took a moment of brilliance from Pedri to break the deadlock, as his exquisite lofted pass found Raphinha, who attempted an acrobatic shot that was comfortably saved by Alex Padilla.Athletic found themselves trailing soon after, when a poorly cleared free-kick fell perfectly for Lamine Yamal. His curling shot took a deflection off Inigo Lekue’s head, sending the ball into the corner of the net.

By this stage, Athletic’s goal was under constant threat, and the Catalan giants nearly doubled their lead 10 minutes before half-time. Robert Lewandowski created some space for himself in the box and unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the post.

Lewandowski’s missed opportunity seemed even more significant just before the break, as Pau Cubarsi brought down Alejandro Berenguer in the box.

Moments later, Lewandowski’s fears were confirmed when Oihan Sancet calmly sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Lewandowski must have been wondering what more he needed to do after his opening day brace against Valencia, as early in the second half, he once again struck the woodwork, heading Raphinha’s cross onto the post with Alex Padilla beaten.

However, they say the third time’s a charm, and that proved true for Lewandowski 15 minutes from the end.

This time, Padilla played a part in the goal, as he could only parry Pedri’s cross straight into the path of Poland’s all-time top scorer.

There was only ever going to be one result, and Lewandowski made no mistake, firing home with his left foot from 12 yards out.

Ernesto Valverde would have expected a better response from his side, but they couldn’t muster a second equalizer. As a result, Barca saw out the victory relatively comfortably, ensuring they maintain their unbeaten run in home La Liga openers since 2010.

Meanwhile, Athletic remain in search of their first league win of the season, a task they’ll hope to accomplish in midweek against Valencia.