Raphinha and Fermin López scored in either half and Rodri made his debut off the bench as Barcelona beat Athletic Club 2-0 at Camp Nou in their first home match of the new La Liga season, Thursday night (Nigeria time).
Barça opened the scoring in the 37th minute, Raphinha rounding goalkeeper Unai Simón after Pedri’s through ball split the Athletic defence.
Fermin, who scored twice in the season opener 0-5 win away to Elche, sealed the win in the 82nd when he pounced on Aymeric Laporte’s defensive error from Karim Adeyemi’s low cross and finished from inside the penalty box.
Hansi Flick’s side controlled most of the game and created the better chances, although Spain World Cup goalie Simon kept the visitors in contention with several important saves.
Flick also handed winger Anthony Gordon his full debut, with Rodri coming on for Raphinha to make his first appearance for Barça.
Flick made three changes from the team that began the campaign at Elche, handing Anthony Gordon his full debut and bringing in Pau Cubarsi and Pedri. New signing Rodri started on the bench.
“Happy to play my first match,” Rodri told Dazn after the game. “It is important for me to regain my rhythm and adapt to this great team. It has been a long summer … I’m very happy, I am where I wanted to be. Now we have to work.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Barcelona midfielder Rodri (16) applauds the Camp Nou crowd after making his debut.
