Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Thursday and claiming their second consecutive LaLiga win of the season. Raphinha and Fermin Lopez provided the goals in a match largely controlled by Hansi Flick’s side.
Raphinha opened the scoring in the 37th minute, rounding goalkeeper Unai Simon after collecting a precise through ball from Pedri. Fermin sealed the three points in the 82nd minute with capitalizing on a defensive error to fire a loose ball past Simon from inside the box.
Despite Barcelona creating numerous chances including a powerful strike from Lamine Yamal that rattled the crossbar Athletic remained in contention for much of the game thanks to several outstanding saves from Simon.
The match also marked the debut of recent signing Rodri, who received a warm ovation when he came off the bench in the 62nd minute. "I’m happy to play my first game with Barcelona and thrilled with the victory" Rodri stated following his debut.
Off the pitch, a planned tribute for the squad’s World Cup winners was replaced by a massive stadium-wide display of the "estelada" Catalonia’s pro-independence flag. Local groups distributed approximately 10,000 flags to fans in protest of an incident last weekend where police detained a Barcelona supporter for carrying the symbol.
In other European football action, Osasuna secured a 2-1 comeback win over 10-man Celta Vigo in LaLiga. Meanwhile, in the English League Cup, Chelsea defeated Luton 2-0 and Fulham advanced past Wimbledon with a comfortable 3-0 victory.
