A win on the first time back at the Spotify Camp Nou for the 2026/27 LaLiga season, as Barça ran out 2-0 winners against Athletic Club. Captain Raphinha got the opener in the first half before Fermin got the second late in a game that the blaugranes once again showed their attacking prowess, with visiting keeper Simon making many vital interventions.

After a minute’s silence for the FC Barcelona members who passed away during last season and for those who lost their lives in the recent flooding in Nepal and China, the game kicked off in a wonderful atmosphere generated by the fans at the blaugrana home.

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The first chance fell to Eric whose header went just wide, before neat work by Gordon released Lamine Yamal, who shot over. Just under 10 minutes later, a similar goalbound shot by the number 10 was denied by Unai Simón. It wasn’t all one way traffic though and Joan Garcia had to quickly come off his line to stop an Athletic Club counter.

The blaugranes then almost scored, but Raphinha’s header from an Espart cross hit the post and bounced out with Simón beaten. Pedri then had the ball in the net five minutes later, but it was ruled out for offside. However, he was to play a decisive role in the first goal of the match, as his pass through the lines was met by the onrushing Raphinha, who rounded Simon to slot in after 37 minutes. Still time for another save by Simon from Lamine Yamal after good work by Bernal, 1-0 at half-time.

More of the same after the break as the blaugranes showed strongly in attack, Lamine Yamal coming closest with a shot that cannoned back off the underside of the bar after 53 minutes. A great team move two minutes later culminated in a Fermin shot saved by Simon, who saved again from Espart soon after.

A lovely bit of skill by Lamine Yamal drew a free kick that ended up with a Fermin shot that was parried wide, and then a much awaited moment for FC Barcelona fans, as Rodrigo came on for his debut alongside Dani Olmo on 62 minutes.

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A nice pass by Lamine Yamal found Gordon running infield, whose shot was diverted wide on 72 minutes, but Athletic Club showed they were still in the game, coming closest to scoring in the match as Sancet hit the post from outside the area three minutes later.

Two more changes for Barça bore fruit as Kounde was involved in the build up before fellow sub Adeyemi crossed. The ball rebounded off Laporte to allow Fermín to pick up the ball close to the goal to make it 2-0 (82 min). It was almost three after 87 minutes, but there was Simón again, this time denying Ademeyi.

All-in-all, a professional performance by the blaugranes, who showed real attacking quality throughout the match to earn another three points for their title defence.

Força Barça