Robert Lewandowski shrugged off a string of missed alternatives to earn Barcelona a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga. The 36-year-old striker twice hit the woodwork, amongst different wasted possibilities, however stored his cool to fit dwelling a Seventy fifth-minute winner for the Catalan giants. Teenage starlet Lamine Yamal put Barcelona forward with a deflected effort however Oihan Sancet pulled Athletic stage from the penalty spot earlier than half-time. Lewandowski’s strike earned Barcelona their second win from two league matches underneath new coach Hansi Flick.
“Especially within the first half he may have scored one or two targets… however in the long run this can be a purpose getter, a striker, who scores targets,” Flick advised reporters.
“The second purpose was the winner, three factors, excellent.”
The former Germany and Bayern Munich boss had hoped to utilise new arrival Dani Olmo however with Barcelona unable to register him due to their monetary difficulties, the previous RB Leipzig playmaker may solely watch from the stands.
Pedri began in midfield after damage, together with 17-year-old Spain star Yamal, who shared a joke together with his compatriot Nico Williams, a Barcelona goal this summer season.
The winger is ready to stick with Athletic this season and a few Barcelona followers whistled him throughout his partaking battle with Jules Kounde.
Barcelona drew first blood, with Yamal’s effort from the sting of the field deflecting dwelling off Inigo Lekue’s head.
“I’m very blissful for the win, it is essential to win at dwelling,” Yamal advised DAZN.
“(For my purpose) I noticed a little bit of house, I noticed Nico coming, who is just not very intense in terms of defending, and when I discovered the house, I shot.”
Williams whipped a harmful cross inches huge of the far put up on the different finish as Athletic threatened.
Barca striker Lewandowski, who netted twice at Valencia of their La Liga opener, struck the put up after extra good work by Yamal and Raphinha.
Athletic pulled stage shortly earlier than the break when younger centre-back Pau Cubarsi clumsily fouled Alejandro Berenguer within the space.
Sancet despatched Marc-Andre ter Stegen the incorrect approach from the penalty spot to ship the groups in tied on the break.
Polish veteran Lewandowski hit the woodwork a second time, heading Raphinha’s free-kick towards the far put up from point-blank vary.
The Brazilian teed up the ahead once more with an inviting cross however Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla made an excellent save.
Barcelona had been turning the screw and received their reward when Lewandowski fired dwelling his third purpose of the marketing campaign within the Seventy fifth minute.
Raphinha performed in Pedri, whose cross was palmed out by Padilla into Lewandowski’s path and this time he made no mistake.
‘You at all times undergo’
Barcelona’s victory towards Ernesto Valverde’s Copa del Rey winners is one other morale enhance after their opening day win at Valencia.
Champions Real Madrid are extensively anticipated to defend their crown after signing Kylian Mbappe however Flick’s Barcelona have made an ideal begin of their bid to grab it again, regardless of varied damage issues.
Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Ronald Araujo are amongst those that will return later within the season for Barcelona, whereas Olmo is ready for his likelihood too.
“These are issues now we have to just accept as a result of we can not change it,” continued Flick.
“We knew after we signed for Barca (the monetary scenario) is just not straightforward, (so I) do not take into consideration that. Today we needed three factors and we received it.”
Athletic have only one level from their first two matches.
“You at all times undergo if you come right here, you realize they’ll take the initiative,” stated former Barca coach Valverde.
“In the second half they had been stronger in urgent after shedding the ball and so they did not allow us to get out, I believe that was the important thing.”
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