Raphinha scores again as Barcelona ease past Athletic Club in La Liga

Raphinha and Fermin ‌Lopez scored as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at the Camp Nou in ⁠their first home match ⁠of the La Liga season. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 37th minute on Thursday, rounding goalkeeper Unai Simon after Pedri’s through ball split the Athletic defence. Fermin sealed the win ⁠in the 82nd when he pounced on Aymeric Laporte’s defensive howler from Karim Adeyemi’s low cross and finished from inside the box. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s side controlled most of the game and created the better ⁠chances, although Athletic goalkeeper Simon kept the visitors in contention with several important saves. Flick made three changes from the team that began the campaign with a 5-0 win at Elche, handing Anthony Gordon his full debut and bringing in Pau Cubarsi and Pedri. Newly-signed Rodri started on the bench. Barcelona started strongly and ‌Simon made a fine one-handed save in the 18th minute to deny Lamine Yamal’s curling effort from the edge of the box. Raphinha went close six minutes later, heading against the post from a cross by academy left back Xavi Espart. Pedri then had a goal ruled out in the 29th minute for offside in the build-up. Barcelona took the lead when Pedri put Raphinha in a great position to round Simon and tap into an empty net.