Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski shrugged off a string of missed opportunities to earn Barcelona a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in La Liga. The 36-year-old striker twice hit the woodwork, among other wasted chances, but kept his cool to slot home a 75th-minute winner for the Catalan giants. Teenage starlet Lamine Yamal put Barcelona ahead with a deflected effort but Oihan Sancet pulled Athletic level from the penalty spot before half-time.
Lewandowski's strike earned Barcelona their second win from two league matches under new coach Hansi Flick. "Especially in the first half he could have scored one or two goals..
. but in the end this is a goal getter, a striker, who scores goals," Flick told reporters. "The second goal was the winner, three points, perfect.
" The former Germany and Bayern Munich boss had hoped to utilise new arrival Dani Olmo but with Barcelona unable to register him because of their financial difficulties, the former RB Leipzig playmaker could only watch from the stands. Pedri started in midfield after injury, along with 17-year-old Spain star Yamal, who shared a joke with his compatriot Nico Williams, a Barcelona target this summer. The winger is set to stay with Athletic this season and some Barcelona fans whistled him during his engaging battle with Jules Kounde.
Barcelona drew first blood, with Yamal's effort from the edge of the box deflecting home off Inigo Lekue's head. "I'm very happy for the win, it's important to win at home," Yamal told D.