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Barca beats Athletic Bilbao despite Unai Simon heroics

Published : Friday, 28 August, 2026 at 10:54 AM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Barcelona launched a relentless attack at Camp Nou to secure a 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao, backed by goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.

Despite hitting the post and crossbar repeatedly, Hansi Flick's side dominated the match. Spain's World Cup Golden Glove winner Unai Simon made exceptional saves to limit the scoreline.

Barcelona controlled 70 per cent ball possession and took 22 shots, targeting the goal 10 times. Simon denied eight of those attempts. Bilbao managed five shots but failed to keep any on target.

The hosts began attacking from the kickoff. Eric Garcia missed a header from a Pedri corner in the 9th minute. Lamine Yamal missed his first attempt before Simon blocked his next shot.

Raphinha's header hit the post in the 23rd minute. Pedri found the net six minutes later off Anthony Gordon's pass, but the goal was ruled out as Yamal was offside.

Raphinha scored the opener in the 37th minute after converting a defense-splitting pass from Pedri. Following his brace in the season opener, the Brazilian forward took his tally to three goals in two matches.

Shortly after, Simon made a point-blank save against Yamal in a one-on-one situation.

After the break, Gordon’s effort flew just over the crossbar. Yamal hit the crossbar with a 20-yard strike in the 53rd minute.

Flick substituted Raphinha in the 63rd minute to hand Rodrigo Hernandez his debut, while Dani Olmo replaced Marc Bernal. Bilbao hit the post once in the 75th minute.

Barcelona doubled their lead in the 82nd minute. A Bilbao defender failed to clear substitute Karim Adeyemi's cross from the left, allowing Lopez to slot the ball into an empty net.

Simon denied late attempts from Adeyemi and Yamal, but Barcelona secured the 2-0 win to move to the top of the La Liga table with six points from two matches, leading Real Madrid on goal difference.

-SA

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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