Raphinha stars as Barcelona maintain perfect La Liga start against Athletic

Raphinha scored for the third time in Barcelona’s opening two La Liga matches as Hansi Flick’s side beat Athletic 2-0 to move top of the table.

The Brazil forward opened the scoring in the 37th minute after being played through by Pedri, before Fermin Lopez sealed the win with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Barcelona controlled possession for long periods and created the clearer opportunities at the hosts’ stadium, although Athletic had chances to make the match more competitive as it developed.

The home side had already gone close several times before breaking the deadlock. Lamine Yamal tested Unai Simon with a curling attempt, while Raphinha headed against the post with the Athletic goalkeeper unable to reach the ball.

Pedri thought he had given Barcelona the lead before the half-hour mark, but the goal was disallowed because of an earlier offside in the move.

Barcelona did eventually find a way through when Pedri released Raphinha behind the Athletic defence. The forward rounded Simon before calmly sending the ball into an empty net.

Raphinha came close to adding another before half-time, but Simon made an excellent save to deny Yamal.

Athletic continued to have problems containing Barcelona after the interval. Anthony Gordon missed a promising chance early in the second half when he fired over the crossbar, while Yamal later struck the woodwork.

The hosts became more threatening as the game went on, with Oihan Sancet coming close when his low shot hit the post.

Rodri was introduced during the second half and received a huge reception from the home supporters as the former Manchester City midfielder made his Barcelona debut.

Barcelona finally put the result beyond doubt after an error by Aymeric Laporte. Fermin Lopez capitalised on the mistake to score the second goal and complete an impressive individual display.

Flick was pleased with the way his team attacked but acknowledged that Barcelona could have shown greater composure after taking the lead.

“I don’t know if Raphinha will be our No. 9,” Flick told DAZN. “For me, it’s important that the plan works out, whether Raphinha is the number nine or not.

“Because of his dynamism, his runs off the ball, and his intensity, he’s the right one.”

Raphinha’s latest goal further underlines his importance to Flick’s attacking approach. He has now scored three times in Barcelona’s first two league games of the campaign.

Flick also praised Xavi Espart after another impressive performance on the left. The youngster wore the new No. 12 shirt following his promotion to the first team.

“Espart has great technique, he handles situations very well, both in attack and defence,” Flick said.

“I was surprised by his performance today on the left wing. He’s top-notch. He has room for improvement, like everyone, but he’s a fantastic player.”

The victory leaves Barcelona at the top of La Liga after two matches. Athletic, meanwhile, have suffered another away defeat and remain second from bottom.

Rodri’s debut and Espart’s continued progress offered further positives for Flick, but the main feature of Barcelona’s latest victory was the continued form of Raphinha, whose early-season goals have helped his side make a strong start.