Rodri begins Barcelona chapter with impressive win over Athletic Bilbao

Rodri marked the beginning of his Barcelona career with a composed cameo as the defending champions extended their winning start to La Liga with a convincing 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on Thursday night (August 27).

Raphinha put Barcelona ahead in the first half before Fermin Lopez sealed the points late in the second, as Hansi Flick’s side followed up their opening-day 5-0 demolition of Elche with another commanding performance.

Barcelona dominated possession and created a stream of chances, but Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon repeatedly kept the hosts at bay. The Spain international made eight saves, while the woodwork denied Barcelona twice.

Rodri, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City, came off the bench in the 63rd minute for Marc Bernal in front of 59,326 spectators. The 30-year-old had missed the opening league game after recovering from injury.

It was Rodri’s first appearance at Camp Nou since April 2019, when he featured for Atletico Madrid in a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scoring for the hosts.

“I’m happy with the win,” Rodri said after the match. “I want to work hard to adapt to such a great team. This summer was quite stressful because of the injury and the transfer, but I’m where I wanted to be. Now I have to adapt to the rhythm of my teammates. It’s time to work hard.”

Barcelona controlled 70 percent of possession and registered 22 shots, including 10 on target. Athletic managed only five attempts, none of which tested Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

The hosts came close to opening the scoring in the 23rd minute when Raphinha’s superb header struck the post. Lamine Yamal then rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from around 20 yards eight minutes after the break.

Barcelona finally broke through in the 37th minute. Pedri split the Athletic defence with a precise pass to Raphinha, who raced into the box, rounded the advancing Simon and calmly fired into the net.

The goal was Raphinha’s third in two league appearances this season.

Athletic briefly threatened to level when Oihan Sancet’s effort struck the post in the 75th minute, but Barcelona remained in control.

Fermin doubled the advantage eight minutes from time after Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte failed to control a low cross from substitute Karim Adeyemi. Simon was wrong-footed by the mistake, allowing Fermin to collect the loose ball and roll it into an empty net.

The result leaves Barcelona top of La Liga with six points from two matches. Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Betis also have six points but trail on goal difference.