Raphinha continued his impressive start to the season as Barcelona made it two victories from two in La Liga with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Brazil winger scored his third goal of the campaign before Fermin Lopez sealed the points late in the second half. The match also saw Rodri make his Barcelona debut following his £65m move from Manchester City.
Barcelona started strongly in front of their home supporters as they looked to build on their opening-day victory over Elche. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both threatened early on, with the Brazilian coming particularly close after striking the post.
Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon was eventually beaten in the 37th minute. Raphinha raced onto a through ball from Pedri, rounded Simon and calmly found the net to give Barcelona the lead. It was the winger’s third goal of the young campaign and another indication of his strong form under Flick.
Athletic Club found it difficult to produce clear opportunities in the first half. Nico Williams came closest before the break, but his effort from just outside the Barcelona penalty area went wide.
Barcelona continued to control much of the game after the restart, although Athletic had a chance to equalise when Anthony Gordon fired over the crossbar from inside the area.
Lopez Seals Barcelona Victory
Athletic’s resistance finally ended with eight minutes remaining. Poor defending from the visitors allowed Lopez to find space close to goal, and he finished from close range to make it 2-0.
The goal effectively settled the contest and ensured Barcelona began their first home game of the season with a victory.
Flick’s side now have two wins from their opening two La Liga matches, while Raphinha has already started showing the form that fans sought all through the previous campaign.
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