Rodri debuts with a win for FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona's summer signing Rodrigo Hernández made his first appearance as a blaugrana in the win over Athletic Club de Bilbao at Spotify Camp Nou, coming on in the second half to a rapturous ovation from the blaugrana fans.
The midfielder came on in the 62nd minute to replace Marc Bernal in the centre of midfield alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo. In half an hour on the field the World Cup and Ballon d'Or winner showed his talent in front of the 59,326 fans at Spotify Camp Nou, contributing to the 2-0 win over Athletic Club that leaves Hansi Flick's team with a 100% record so far in La Liga.
Return Spotify Camp Nou seven years later
It was Rodri's first appearance as a blaugrana at Spotify Camp Nou, a stadium where he had played before on three occasions for Villarreal and then Atlético Madrid. His last game at the famous ground before Sunday's Barça debut came back in April 2019 when Atlético Madrid went down to a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Messi and Luis Suárez.
"Very happy. I am where I want to be"
After the game Rodrigo admitted he was "happy with the win" and with "a desire to work hard to adapt to this great team." He then admitted: "It's been a long summer but I am where I want to be. I have to get get into the rhythm of my team mates and it's time to work hard".