BARCELONA —
Robert Lewandowski pounced on a rebound to give Barcelona a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, giving them a run of victories in the first two rounds of La Liga.
Lewandowski had hit the post twice before scoring his third goal of the season in the 75th minute.
Young sensation Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for the Blaugranas in the 24th minute, with a shot from outside the area that ended up in the back of the net after being deflected off Dani Vivian.
“I am very happy with the team’s victory. It is important to start well in the first home game,” said Yamal. “Games are won with goals and the more we can score, the better.”
Oihan Sancet temporarily equalised for Athletic with a penalty in the 42nd minute, after referee Jesús Gil Manzano signalled a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Álex Berenguer thanks to the VAR.
Barça have the ideal six points to be at the top of the table alongside Celta de Vigo. They are sure to remain above reigning champions Real Madrid (one point), who host Valladolid on Sunday.
Athletic Bilbao have secured a point in the competition, after extending their winless streak away to Barcelona to 23 years. Their last victory (2-1) at the Catalan club’s ground dates back to 24 November 2001. Since then they have accumulated 20 defeats and three draws.
“It’s clear that they were better. Our intention was to hold on and try to hurt them. We managed to do it in the first one, but in the second it was harder for us,” said Basque defender Íñigo Lekue.
Lewandowski scored after goalkeeper Alex Padilla deflected a diagonal pass from Pedri and the ball was left ready for the Polish striker.
He had already hit the post after taking the lead in the first half and then a header suffered the same fate in the second half. Padilla had also prevented him from celebrating a goal with a superb save shortly before scoring the winner.
Bilbao winger Nico Williams was the centre of attention given the interest shown by the Barça board in signing him for this season, but without achieving their objective. When he came out onto the pitch he was booed by some sections of the fans and at times when he received the ball.
Barça had their new signing Dani Olmo as a spectator in the stands, but he was unable to play for the second matchday. He has not been able to be registered in the League because the club has not yet met the financial limit.
OSASUNA WINS AT HOME
Rubén García scored in the 55th minute, giving Osasuna a 1-0 win over Mallorca in front of their fans.
With the win, the Navarrese team reached four points. The red team got one point, the result of a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first matchday.
