---

September 1, 2024

Barcelona Beats Athletic Club 2-1 Goals from Lewandowski and Yamal – La Liga 2

15 minutes into stoppage time, a goal by Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona their second straight win, this time over Athletic Club in their La Liga home opener.

Lewandowski had to try again after hitting the post with a curling attempt and a bullet header just before halftime. Alex Padilla then denied a stinging half-volley.

However, Padilla was powerless to stop the game-winning goal, which the Polish player scored following a deft run and cross from Pedri.

Lamine Yamal gave the game a spark with a run and a 25-yard curling attempt that deflected past Padilla after a dull first half. Still, the advantage was wiped out just before halftime when VAR determined that Pau Cubarsi had pinched Alex Berenguer’s heels in the area. Right there on the spot, Oihan Sancet gave Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong idea.

Talking Point: You have to respect Barcelona’s perseverance

Though given the turbulent start to the season, it is too soon to discuss whether Barcelona has an identity under Hansi Flick. One quality they have shown in their first two games is a fierce desire to win when they might have quickly adopted a more negative strategy. This season, at least, two 2-1 wins with three goals from their unstoppable striker have been vital, but the team as a whole has displayed a positive and mature attitude that belies its early 20s average age.

Though appearances may be deceiving, they have a bright side that Daniel Olmo will love contributing to when he is eventually permitted to play, despite the turmoil off the field.

They will have until the middle of October to prepare their team for the biggest test in La Liga football before the first Clasico. Still, based on their current play, they might do so with an early lead in the standings over their more well-known opponents.

Player of the Match: Barcelona’s Raphina

The Brazilian wins player of the match for the second straight game. While Lewandowski’s tenacity, Pedri’s potential, and Lamine Yamal’s intermittent brilliance were all impressive, the former Leeds player is only a cog that converts Barcelona’s possession into potentially lethal attacks. This season, he has been highly effective at scoring goals from all over the pitch. He has produced excellent through passes from critical areas and a fantastic cross for Lewandowski.

Player Evaluations

Barcelona: Kounde 6, Ter Stegen 6, Cubarsi 6, I. Lewandowski 7, Marc Bernal 7, Pedri 7, Raphinha 8*, Torres 6, Martinez 6, Balde 7.

Replacements: Martin 6, Garcia 6, Lopez 6, Victor 6.

Athletic Club: Berenguer 7, Sancet 7, Nico Williams 6, Inaki Williams 5, Lekue 6, Vivian 6, Yeray 7, Yuri 6. Prados 6, Vesga 6.

The substitutes are Gomez 6, Jauregizar 6, Adu 6, Guruzeta 6, and Herrera 5.

Highlights of the Match

24′ GOAL! ATHLETIC CLUB 1-0 BARCELONA (YAMAL) Pedri’s free kick is punched to the teenage winger on the edge of the box, who crosses to the center and curls a shot that deflects off the head of a defender and into the net.

36′ AWAY FROM THE POST! Lewandowski’s curling attempt strikes the post as Raphinia plays him through, giving the Pole time to switch to his right foot from the left edge of the six-yard box.

40′ NO PENALTIES—FORWARD! Despite being down in one box, Berenguer receives no kick. Barcelona then moves directly to the other end, where Lewandowski approaches Yuri. But now that the referee is staring at the VAR screen, what penalty is he looking at?

41′ ATHLETI IS PENALITED FOR! Cubarsi receives punishment for his insignificant touch with Berenguer.

42′ GOAL! BARCELONA 1-1 ATHELTIC CLUB (SANCET): Like Lewandowski, he runs up slowly before putting Ter Stegen in the wrong direction.

57′ LEWANDOWSKI IS GOING UPON THE POST! From the free kick, he is unmarked, but Padilla is beaten, and the ball bounces off the post.

Excellent 64-foot chance for Lewandowski! On the half-volley, he meets Raphinia’s cross with firmness, but Padilla makes a point-blank stop to deny him.

75′ GOAL! LEWANDOWSKI-BARCELONA 2-1 ATHLETIC CLUB Pedri crosses the ball to Lewandowski, who scores low with his left foot after reaching the by-line on the left side of the penalty area.

Stand by your favorite team! Head to our site and let them know you’re with them all the way.

Football News Today | La Liga 2 | Saudi Pro League | Major League Soccer | J League | EFL Championship | Brazilian Serie A