Barcelona maintains winning start as Yamal fires
Robert Lewandowski smashed home a rebound to earn Barcelona a 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao in an absorbing LaLiga clash, but it was teen sensation Lamine Yamal that lit up the match with a goal of his own in another outstanding display for Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 winner.
A deflected strike by teenager Lamine Yamal in the 24th minute gave Barca the lead, but the visitors levelled in the 42nd minute when Oihan Sancet struck home from the penalty spot after defender Pau Cubarsi had fouled Alex Berenguer inside the box.
Lewandowski, who had struck the woodwork in either half in his attempts to double Barcelona's tally, scored the winner in the 75th minute from a rebound by the goalkeeper, striking a first-time effort to give the hosts a second win in as many games.
Barcelona is level with Celta Vigo at the top of the LaLiga standings with six points. Athletic is 15th with one point from two matches.
Just like in its opening match, it was Lewandowski who was the matchwinner for Barcelona, with his 75th-minute goal proving the difference.
However, it was Yamal who proved the standout performer for Barcelona. Among players born since 2005, only Mathys Tel (17 - 12 goals, five assists) has more goal involvements in the top five European leagues than him (12 - six goals, six assists, the same as Desire Doue, seven and five).
Meanwhile, Sancet became the third-youngest Athletic player to reach 25 goals in LaLiga in the 21st Century at 24 years and 121 days, behind Fernando Llorente and Iker Muniain.
Barca coach Hansi Flick labelled Lewandowski the ultimate professional after his display, something he is used to seeing having spent two seasons coaching the Poland striker previously at Bayern Munich.
"I know Robert [Lewandowski] really well and I don't think he has returned to form because that's how I have always seen him as a player," Flick said.
"I'm happy with him because it's not only the goals he scores, it's his collective effort, the way he dedicates himself to pressing high and very effectively.
"Physically, he is 100%. He is a total professional, who takes fitness very seriously.
"He knows how to handle pressure and we saw that after the equaliser in the second half. He is a great player."
Flick was also quick to praise Raphinha for his dynamic display in attacking midfield.
The Brazilian registered the most touches in the opposition box (nine), with his 19 passes into the final third a total only bettered by Pedri (21).
He also won more duels (nine) than any other Barcelona player, with Flick believing his versatility will be a huge asset as the season progresses.
"Rafa can play in any attacking position. He can play as a 10, or he can change positions, he is phenomenal in pressing," Flick said.
"We needed someone like him as we are still missing some players."
