For its second match of the season, FC Barcelona faced Athletic Club for a highly anticipated match between the two nuggets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, announced very close to Barça throughout the summer, but who finally opted to stay in Bilbao. After a first victory against Valencia, Hansi Flick, who still cannot count on Olmo, not yet registered in La Liga, found Pedri and Koundé in particular in his starting eleven. For its part, the Basque club, which remains on a draw against Getafe, also found Lekue and Vivian.
Quickly, the Catalans made a strong impression and the Flick touch gradually began to take shape. Very offensive, Barça quickly found the solution through the inevitable Lamine Yamal, author of a superb curled shot deflected by the Basque defense (1-0, 24th). Before being close to the break, but Lewandowski’s curled shot found Padilla’s opposite post (36th). But after a confused action where Berenguer and Lewandowski could have obtained a penalty on the same action… but the first foul on the Bilbao player was signaled by the VAR and offered a possibility of equalizing.
Robert Lewandowski finally rewarded
Before half-time, Athletic Club pulled off the perfect move as Sancet equalized with a very well-taken penalty (1-1, 42nd). Still dominating after the break, the Blaugranas were unable to regain the lead as Lewandowski once again hit the post with his header (57th), before he came up against a monstrous Padilla on his line (65th). But the Polish striker persevered and finally delivered FCB with a great volley, after Padilla saved Pedri’s cross, allowing Barça to take the lead again (2-1, 75th).
Very enjoyable, Barça allowed the Olympic stadium of Montjuic to sing and celebrate in front of the spectacle offered and managed to hold on despite some defensive scares at the very end of the match. A second important success for Barcelona, before a trip to Rayo Vallecano for the third day. For its part, Athletic Club will host Valencia to try to win its first victory of the season.
