First half
Throughout the first half, it was Barca who kept the pressure on Athletic, creating most of the chances and being the most dangerous side.
There was plenty of good link up play, defensively they were quick to recover their positions, and there were a very limited number of unforced errors from all phases.
It was truly a game controlled by Barca from end to end, without an ounce of doubt. Of course though, these games deserve goals, and goals deserve to be scored in these games.
For a while though, goals evaded Barca, as they couldn’t find the last bit of action needed to get that first tally. Eventually they did though, as it was none other than Lamine Yamal who stepped up and delivered another source of magic.
The shot took a deflection, but it counts as a goal nonetheless. Barca went up 1-0 and unless any shenanigans occurred, they’d keep that lead without many problems, if any problems at all.
However, we know how these things go, as shenanigans did indeed occur. On a rather weird sequence, there was a mad scramble in Barca’s penalty area, with Alejandro Balde slipping and failing to clear a dangerous ball, leaving Pau Cubarsi to scramble and act.
He did so, but conceded a penalty in the process, giving Athletic Club a chance to equalize before halftime, which they did.
Halftime soon arrived and Barca were harshly equal on goals with Athletic. They controlled the game, but they didn’t act on the many chances they created to take a more demanding lead.
They had a whole second half to do so though, so let’s see if they did.
Second half
The second half was frustrating, at least for a while.
Barca continued to create chances, but like last season, they simply couldn’t finish them whatsoever. Robert Lewandowski was the biggest victim, missing a few key chances to put Barca ahead early in the second half.
Once we got closer to the 80th minute or so, it felt like it was now or never for Barca. And apparently they did as well, as Barca scored their second goal of the match to give them a much deserved 2-1 lead.
You can’t ignore the link up between Raphinha and Pedri prior to the goal though, as that was crucial for the chance to be created in the first place. Also, you have to give Lewandowski some credit, as he kept pushing and pushing for his goal even while it felt like the net had one big sheet of glass over it.
Barca eventually held on to win the match, as Athletic presented zero threat for the rest of the match. Good win at the Montjuic, now eyes turn towards
Final word
That was a very fun match to watch.
Barca presented clear ideas in the attack, worked hard, weren’t inattentive defensively, just what you want to see from a squad that’s going through a lot of changes and has a lot of noise surrounding it.
Honestly can’t remember the last time I had this much fun watching a match though. Certainly a positive development from Barca and maybe some signs of future things to come if more clinical finishing can be found in the forward line and maybe from the midfield as well.
Barca’s next match
Barca’s next match will be on Tuesday night when they take on Rayo Vallecano away from home.
See you all then!
I’ve been a big time Barca fan since I was 14 years old. I love the club, the history, and the tradition that the club has built over its prestigious history. Forca Barca!
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