By BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona continued their strong start to the La Liga season with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Club on Saturday evening at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Barcelona in the first half, while Robert Lewandowski netted the winner after Athletic Club had equalized through an Oihan Sancet penalty.
The match began with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, a subject of transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona over the summer, facing a hostile reception from the home crowd. Despite the boos, Williams was instrumental in Athletic’s early attacking efforts, though Barcelona defender Jules Kounde managed to contain him effectively.
Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Yamal, collecting a free-kick on the edge of the box, curled a shot that deflected off Inigo Lekue and into the net.
Lewandowski, who had a notable impact throughout the match, hit the post shortly after Yamal’s goal. The first half concluded with controversy as VAR intervened to award Athletic Club a penalty for a foul by Pau Cubarsi on Alex Berenguer. Sancet converted the spot-kick to level the score.
The second half saw Lewandowski continue to threaten, hitting the woodwork again with a header from Raphinha’s free-kick. Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla made a crucial save to deny Lewandowski from close range.
Barcelona’s persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Lewandowski finally found the net. The Polish striker capitalized on a deflected cross from Pedri, sweeping a half-volley into an unguarded goal.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández praised his team’s resilience: “We showed great character to come back and win after conceding the equalizer. Lewandowski’s performance was crucial, and Yamal continues to impress with his maturity.”
Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the challenge of playing at Barcelona: “We competed well and had our chances, but Barcelona’s quality in attack made the difference in the end.”
The victory gives Barcelona six points from their first two La Liga matches, following their 2-1 win over Valencia in the season opener.
As the La Liga season progresses, Barcelona’s early form suggests they will be strong contenders for the title, while Athletic Club showed they can compete against top opposition despite the narrow defeat.
The match also highlighted the emerging talent of Yamal and the continued importance of Lewandowski to Barcelona’s attacking prowess.
