Barcelona maintained their strong start to the 2024/25 LaLiga EA Sports season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Athletic Club at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday evening.
The Catalan giants took the lead in the 24th minute, thanks to a moment of brilliance from their 17-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal.
The young talent, who has faced his share of challenges off the pitch recently, displayed his extraordinary skills when he controlled the ball after a Barcelona free-kick, created space with a deft shift to the left, and unleashed a curling shot from distance that nestled perfectly into the bottom corner.
Yamal’s goal was a highlight of his burgeoning talent, and his exuberant celebration with Alejandro Balde hinted that Barcelona might be set for a comfortable evening.
However, Athletic Club had other plans and refused to back down without a fight.
As the first half neared its end, a lapse in concentration from Barcelona’s defense led to Pau Cubarsi committing a foul in the penalty area, providing Athletic Club with a golden opportunity to level the score.
Oihan Sancet stepped up and coolly dispatched the penalty into the top-right corner, leaving the home crowd at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys momentarily stunned.
Barcelona continued to dominate possession in the second half, applying pressure on the Basque side’s defense.
Both teams searched for a decisive goal, and it was Barcelona’s experienced striker, Robert Lewandowski, who delivered.
In the 75th minute, Pedri made a surging run into the box, latching onto a well-placed pass before reaching the byline. He then sent a precise ball across the face of the goal, where Lewandowski was perfectly positioned to hammer it home.
The goal was the culmination of sustained pressure from Barcelona, with Lewandowski having already come close earlier in the half when his shot struck the post.
The Polish striker, who netted twice in Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Valencia on the opening weekend, continued his impressive form, showing why he remains a key player for the team under Hansi Flick’s management.
With this victory, Barcelona climbed to second place in LaLiga EA Sports, just behind Celta Vigo, although many teams have yet to complete their second fixtures.
Athletic Club, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win of the season, having managed only one point so far.
