Robert Lewandowski overcame several missed chances to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga.
The 36-year-old forward struck the post twice, among other squandered opportunities, but remained composed to net the decisive goal in the 75th minute for the Catalan team.
Young prodigy Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona the lead with a deflected shot, but Oihan Sancet equalized for Athletic from the penalty spot before the break.
Lewandowski’s goal delivered Barcelona their second consecutive win under new coach Hansi Flick.
The ex-Germany and Bayern Munich coach had intended to feature new signing Dani Olmo, but due to Barcelona’s financial troubles, they couldn’t register him, leaving the former RB Leipzig playmaker to observe from the sidelines.
Pedri, who returned from injury, started in midfield alongside 17-year-old Spanish sensation Yamal, who exchanged a joke with his fellow countryman Nico Williams, a Barcelona target for this summer.
The winger is expected to remain at Athletic this season, and some Barcelona supporters booed him during his intense duel with Jules Kounde.
Barcelona struck first, as Yamal’s shot from the edge of the box ricocheted off Inigo Lekue’s head and found the back of the net.
“I’m very happy for the win, it’s important to win at home,” Yamal told DAZN.
“(For my goal) I saw a bit of space, I saw Nico coming, who is not very intense when it comes to defending, and when I found the space, I shot.”
Williams sent a risky cross just past the far post on the opposite side as Athletic posed a threat.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski, who scored twice in their La Liga opener against Valencia, hit the post following excellent setup play by Yamal and Raphinha.
Williams sent a risky cross just past the far post on the opposite side as Athletic posed a threat.
Barcelona forward Lewandowski, who scored twice in their La Liga opener against Valencia, hit the post following excellent setup play by Yamal and Raphinha.
Polish veteran Lewandowski struck the woodwork once more, directing Raphinha’s free-kick with a close-range header that bounced off the far post.
The Brazilian set up the striker again with a tempting cross, but Athletic’s goalkeeper Alex Padilla made an excellent save.
Barcelona increased the pressure and eventually reaped the rewards when Lewandowski scored his third goal of the season in the 75th minute.
Raphinha found Pedri, whose cross was pushed away by Padilla directly into Lewandowski’s path, and this time he made no mistake in finishing.
AFP
