Camp Nou, Barcelona – August 25, 2024: Barcelona continued their impressive start to the LaLiga season with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Club at Camp Nou. The win, featuring goals from Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, maintains Barcelona’s unbeaten run and secures their second win of the season.
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Barcelona vs Athletic Club Half Time: Yamal’s Goal and Sancet’s Penalty
The match began with Barcelona dominating possession and creating early chances. Their pressure paid off in the 24th minute when teenager Lamine Yamal scored with a deflected shot. Yamal, seizing a rebound from a free kick, managed to curl the ball past Athletic Club’s defense. The deflection off Athletic defender Iñigo Lekue ensured the ball nestled into the net, giving Barcelona a well-deserved lead.
Athletic Club equalized in the 42nd minute through a penalty awarded for a foul by Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí on Alex Berenguer. Oihan Sancet stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, leveling the score before halftime. Despite Barcelona’s superior possession, Athletic posed a constant threat, with their counter-attacks often testing goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Half-Time Score: Barcelona 1, Athletic Club 1
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Full Time: Lewandowski Seals the Win
The second half saw Barcelona increase their intensity. Robert Lewandowski was particularly influential, narrowly missing twice before eventually finding the net. He hit the post with a header and had a close-range volley saved by Athletic’s Álex Padilla. However, Lewandowski made no mistake in the 75th minute when he pounced on a rebound from a saved cross by Pedri. The Polish striker’s half-volley secured the victory for Barcelona.
Barcelona continued to press, with several more opportunities created by Raphinha and João Félix. Athletic Club’s Asier Villalibre and Dani García came close to equalizing, but their attempts were either off-target or well-saved by Ter Stegen. Barcelona’s defense held firm, ensuring they would leave the pitch with all three points.
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Full-Time Score: Barcelona 2, Athletic Club 1
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Lineups
Barcelona (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Marc-André ter Stegen
- Defenders: João Cancelo, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé
- Midfielders: Ilkay Gündogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
- Forwards: Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal
Substitutes: Diego Kochen, Hector Fort, Marc Guiu, Vitor Roque, Sergi Roberto, Iñaki Peña
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
- Defenders: Iñigo Lekue, Yeray Álvarez, Aitor Paredes, Mikel Vesga
- Midfielders: Dani García, Beñat Prados, Oihan Sancet
- Forwards: Alex Berenguer, Iñaki Williams, Gorka Guruzeta
Substitutes: Julen Agirrezabala, Mikel Jauregizar, Unai Egiluz, Raúl García, Iker Muniain
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Stats
- Possession: Barcelona 60.3% – Athletic Club 39.7%
- Shots on Target: Barcelona 2 – Athletic Club 2
- Total Shots: Barcelona 8 – Athletic Club 8
- Touches: Barcelona 677 – Athletic Club 423
- Passes: Barcelona 530 – Athletic Club 290
- Tackles: Barcelona 13 – Athletic Club 14
- Clearances: Barcelona 14 – Athletic Club 18
- Corners: Barcelona 4 – Athletic Club 4
- Offsides: Barcelona 2 – Athletic Club 3
- Yellow Cards: Barcelona 3 – Athletic Club 3
- Fouls Conceded: Barcelona 11 – Athletic Club 14
Barcelona vs Athletic Club Fouls and Key Moments
- 90’+3′ – Full-time whistle: Barcelona 2, Athletic Club 1.
- 88′ – Yellow Card for Barcelona’s Jules Koundé.
- 85′ – Yellow Card for Athletic Club’s Alex Berenguer.
- 75′ – Goal for Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski scores from a rebound.
- 42′ – Goal for Athletic Club: Oihan Sancet converts a penalty.
- 24′ – Goal for Barcelona: Lamine Yamal scores with a deflected shot.
Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Club underscores their strong start to the 2024-25 LaLiga season, with two wins from two games. The Catalan giants showcased their attacking prowess through standout performances by Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski. Yamal’s early goal and Lewandowski’s decisive strike ensured all three points, despite Athletic Club’s resilient efforts and a well-taken penalty by Oihan Sancet.
The match highlighted Barcelona’s ability to maintain composure and efficiency in front of goal, even with key players sidelined due to injury. The win also emphasized the crucial role of their new manager, Hansi Flick, in navigating these challenges while integrating new tactics and players.
As Barcelona sits atop the LaLiga table alongside Celta Vigo, they will look to continue their winning streak and build on this strong foundation. Athletic Club, while showing promise, will need to refine their approach and capitalize on their opportunities as they seek to climb the standings.
Overall, the encounter was a testament to Barcelona’s depth and determination, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.
