Barça kicked off their league campaign at Spotify Camp Nou on 27 August with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club—and created enough chances to leave Unai Simón asking his gloves for a rest. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 37th minute, after a through ball from Pedri and a finish that left the goalkeeper stranded. Earlier, a header from Raphinha had struck the post, and Lamine Yamal had forced Simón into a fine save; after the break, Lamine himself sent a shot against the crossbar. Barça had 70.3% possession: in everyday language, that means the ball had practically applied for residency in Barcelona. (fcbarcelona.com)
The night also brought Rodri’s debut in Blaugrana colours, in the 62nd minute, and a scare when Sancet’s shot struck Joan Garcia’s post. But Fermín restored order—and made it 2-0—in the 82nd minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Adeyemi’s cross and an intervention from Laporte. Unai Simón still prevented the scoreline from getting even bigger, but he could not stop Barça from taking all three points. In short: a solid win, christened at home, with enough timber in the goal frame to put together a little IKEA cabinet.
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