Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski saved Barca today against organized and tough Athletic Bilbao. The youngster kept on performing as he did at the EURO 2024, while the Pole showed that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. The only scorer for the away team was Oihan Sancet from the penalty spot – 2-1.Laporta the reason for Williams’ rejectionBarcelona did not await the duel with the always unpleasant Basques on a good note. Off the field, everything went downhill. Dani Olmo could not be registered again, and one of the best players, Ilkay Gundogan, was sent back to Manchester City. For those reasons, Hansi Flick could not organize things as he wanted ahead of this clash, but the individual quality of the team’s two biggest stars secured another three points to Barca.Yamal kept showing that his performances at the European Championship were not coincidental. In the 24th minute he received the ball ideally, moved it just slightly aside and unleashed an outstanding long-distance effort to break the deadlock – 1-0!The recklessness of Pau Cubarsi’s tackle on the opponent that could not result in anything other than a penalty for Bilbao, brought Barca unnecessary problems. Sancet scored from the spot in the 42nd minute and put the Catalans in trouble again. Barca didn’t shine against Valencia either, but in the second half managed to snatch the victory, and something similar happened against Bilbao. The club from San Mames did last a little longer, but only because Barca missed numerous chances.Actually, Lewandowski missed them, but in the 75th minute, he redeemed himself, showing that even at the age of 36, he is among the top forwards in world football. Raphinha found Pedri in the box, the Spaniard crossed it for Lewa, who found the back of the net without a hitch and saved Barca.Barca triumphed against Athletic Bilbao 2-1 and collected the maximum six points from the two rounds of La Liga. In the next round, the Catalans will again be firm favourites against Valladolid at Camp Nou. On the other hand, Bilbao will host Atletico Madrid in a third round derby clash.LA LIGA MATCHDAY 2FridayCelta – Valencia 3-1 (2-1)/Minqueza 23, Aspas 28, Beltran 60 – Lopez 14/Sevilla- Villareal 1-2 (1-1)/Lukebakio 45 – Danjuma 2, Perez 90+5/SaturdayOsasuna – Mallorca 1-0 (0-0)/Garcia Ru. 55/Barcelona – Ath.Bilbao 2-1 (1-1)/Yamal 24, Lewandowski 75 – Sancet 42 pen/Espanyol – Sociedad 0-0 IN PROGRESSGetafe – Rayo Vallecano 0-0 IN PROGRESSSunday18:00: (1.18) Real Madrid (7.25) Valladolid (15.0)20:00: (2.35) Leganes (3.10) Las Palmas (3.30)20:15: (2.55) Alaves (3.20) Betis (3.15)22:30: (1.63) Atl.Madrid (3.90) Girona (5.50)***odds are subject to change***
