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Raphinha, Lopez Strike Again as Barca Beat Athletic
Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at the Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in their first home match of the LaLiga season, with goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.
Coach Hansi Flick deployed Raphinha as a makeshift number nine after departures of key strikers, a tactical choice that yielded immediate results when Pedri split Athletic's defence in the 37th minute.
Fermin Lopez doubled the lead in the 82nd minute after Athletic defender Aymeric Laporte failed to clear substitute Karim Adeyemi's low cross, while former Manchester City midfielder Rodri made his debut.
The victory moves Barcelona to six points from two matches, joining Real Madrid, Real Betis, and Sevilla atop the table, while Athletic and Real Sociedad remain at the bottom without a point.
Off the pitch, Barcelona continues pursuing roster reinforcements, having reportedly attempted to sign forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, though the Spanish rivals have refused to negotiate.
Raphinha and Fermín López scored the goals of the triumph by 2-0. Rodri, elected best player of the World Cup 2026, entered the 63 minutes. João Cancelo also played.
The goals of Raphael Dias 'Raphinha' and Fermín López gave Barcelona this Thursday the triumph before the Athletic Club (2-0) at the Spotify Camp Nou in a delayed match of the first day of the league that marked the debut of the Spanish midfielder Rodrigo Hernández 'Rodri'.