Yamal and Lewandowski fire Barca to victory over Athletic Club

Robert Lewandowski’s goal 15 minutes from time secured a second-straight victory for Barcelona, this time accounting for Athletic Club in their home opener in La Liga.

It was a case of try and try again for Lewandowski, who hit the post either side of half-time – first a curling effort and then a bullet header – and then saw a stinging half-volley blocked by Alex Padilla.

Padilla could do nothing to stop the winner though, where the ball fell to the Polish striker after a smart run and cross from Pedri.

After a stale opening, Lamine Yamal lit up the game with a run and 25-yard curling effort which deflected past Padilla, but the lead was cancelled out before the break after VAR ruled that Pau Cubarsi clipped the heels of Alex Berenguer in the box. Oihan Sancet sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the spot.

Barcelona dominated the second half and were good value for the victory which sees them share the early La Liga lead with Celta Vigo.

It is too early to talk about Barcelona having an identity under Hansi Flick, but one element they have possessed in their first two matches is a burning desire to win when they could easily have taken a more negative approach given the tumultuous start to the campaign. Two 2-1 victories with three goals from their indefatigable frontman, this season at least, have been crucial but the whole side has shown a positive and mature approach belying the side with an average age in its early 20s.

Looks can be deceiving but, despite the off-field tumult, they appear a happy side and one which Daniel Olmo will love to come into, when he finally is allowed to play.

They have until mid-October before the first Clasico to get their side ready for the ultimate test in la Liga football, but judging by their performances so far, they may do so with an early lead in the table over their more fancied rivals.

For the second match in succession the Brazilian takes the player of the match. Lamine Yamal shone in stages, Pedri is showing signs of being close to his best and Lewandowski’s determination were all noteworthy, but the former Leeds man is a cog which turns Barcelona’s possession into dangerous attacks. What is particularly noticeable this season is he is doing it from all areas on the pitch, with fine through-balls from central areas and a marvellous cross for Lewandowski.

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

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

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

Subs: Gomez 6, Jauregizar 6, Adu 6, Guruzeta 6, Herrera 5.

24′ GOAL! BARCELONA (YAMAL) 1-0 ATHLETIC CLUB Pedri’s free kick is punched to the young winger on the edge of the box and he traverses to the centre from where he curls an effort which flicks off a defender’s head and goes into the net.

36′ OFF THE POST! Lewandowski is played through by Raphinia and the Pole has time to turn on his right foot from the left edge of the six-yard box, but his curling effort hits the post.

40′ NO PENALTY…AT EITHER END! Berenguer is down in one box but no kick is given. Then Barcelona go straight to the other end where Lewandowski initiates contact with Yuri. The referee is looking at the VAR screen now though – for which penalty?

41′ PENALTY FOR ATHLETI! Cubarsi is penalised for his slight contact on Berenguer.

42′ GOAL! BARCELONA 1-1 ATHELTIC CLUB (SANCET) Like Lewandowski he takes a slow walking run-up, before sending ter Stegen the wrong way.

57′ LEWANDOWKSI HEADS AGAINST THE POST! He is unmarked from the free kick but, with Padilla beaten, the ball comes back off the post.

64′ GREAT CHANCE FOR LEWANDOWSKI! He meets Raphinia’s cross firmly on the half-volley but he is denied by a point blank stop from Padilla.

75′ GOAL! BARCELONA (LEWANDOWSKI) 2-1 ATHLETIC CLUB! Pedri gets to the by-line in the left hand side of the penalty area and his cross finds Lewandowski who fires home low with his left foot.