There were loud cheers as Rodri made his way onto the pitch in the second half for his Barcelona debut.
The Spaniard is an impressive addition to Hansi Flick’s midfield. Barcelona’s performance on the pitch against Athletic Club was just as impressive as they claimed a 2-0 victory in the first game of the season at Camp Nou.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored either side of the break, in a game where Barcelona could have just as easily scored three more to match their 5-0 rout of Elche last weekend. But Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon was in top form and repeatedly denied the hosts.
Raphinha gave his side the lead in the 37th minute, when he ran onto Pedri’s precise through ball and rounded Simon to finish. It was the Brazilian’s third goal in two matches, a bright start to the season for him after the injury setbacks of last term.
Simon finished the match with eight saves, as Barcelona continued to pepper Athletic Club, but there were also some near misses as Lamine Yamal hit the crossbar just after the break, before Anthony Gordon shot wide afterwards.
Rodri entered the game in the 63rd minute to replace Marc Bernal in midfield, as Barcelona tightened their grip on the game. Athletic had no shot on target and Barcelona finally sealed the win eight minutes from time.
Karim Adeyemi’s low cross caused confusion in the Athletic defence and Aymeric Laporte could not clear it. Fermin reacted quickest, turning the ball in from close range.
