Lewandowski, Yamal Score in Barcelona’s La Liga Win Over Bilbao

Robert Lewandowski overcame a series of missed chances to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in a La Liga clash on Saturday. The 36-year-old striker hit the woodwork twice and squandered several opportunities, but remained composed to net the decisive goal in the 75th minute, sealing the win for the Catalan side.

Barcelona initially took the lead through young sensation Lamine Yamal, whose shot was deflected into the net. However, Athletic Bilbao equalized before halftime when Oihan Sancet converted a penalty.

This win marked Barcelona’s second consecutive league victory under their new coach, Hansi Flick. Speaking after the match, Flick acknowledged Lewandowski’s earlier missed chances but praised his ability to find the net when it mattered most. “In the first half, he could have scored one or two goals… but in the end, he’s a goal scorer, a striker who delivers,” Flick commented. “His second goal was the winner, securing three points—perfect.”

Flick had intended to bring on new signing Dani Olmo, but due to Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues, the former RB Leipzig star remained unregistered and had to watch from the stands.

Pedri returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury, joining 17-year-old Spanish prodigy Yamal in midfield. Yamal shared a lighthearted moment with Nico Williams, a Barcelona target who opted to stay with Athletic Bilbao, even as some Barca fans expressed their displeasure during his on-field duel with Jules Kounde.

Barcelona took the lead when Yamal’s shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Inigo Lekue, leaving the Athletic Bilbao defense helpless. “I’m very happy with the win; it’s important to win at home,” Yamal told DAZN. “For my goal, I saw some space, knew Nico wasn’t pressing hard, so I took the shot when I found the opening.”

Athletic Bilbao had their moments, with Williams sending a dangerous cross just wide of the far post. Lewandowski, who scored twice in Barcelona’s season opener against Valencia, continued to be a threat, hitting the post after being set up by Yamal and Raphinha.

Just before the break, Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona’s young center-back, made a rash challenge on Alejandro Berenguer in the box, resulting in a penalty. Sancet coolly converted, sending Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way to level the score.

Lewandowski struck the post again in the second half with a close-range header from a Raphinha free-kick. The Brazilian winger also delivered another excellent cross, but Athletic’s goalkeeper, Alex Padilla, made an outstanding save to deny the Polish striker.

Barcelona’s persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Lewandowski finally found the back of the net. Raphinha set up Pedri, whose cross was parried by Padilla into Lewandowski’s path, and this time the veteran striker made no mistake, scoring his third goal of the season to secure the victory for Barcelona.