Flick’s team is taking shape
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick enjoyed his first home game in charge of the Catalans as the hosts beat Athletic Club 2-1 to make it six points from six at the start of the season.
The German made one change to his starting XI, bringing in Pedri in place of Marc Casado and saw the Spain star put in a really impressive performance as the Catalans enjoyed a deserved victory.
Marc Bernal kept his place in midfield and once again looked completely at home. The huge ovation he received when he was subbed off late on said it all. The fans already know how special this boy is.
Elsewhere, Raphinha was bright and seems far more comfortable in a central position, Robert Lewandowski was the match-winner again and now has three in two for Barca, while there was also a first appearance of the season for Fermin Lopez.
These are still early days of course but after a tricky week that saw Ilkay Gundogan moved on, Andreas Christensen join a lengthy injury list and Dani Olmo still not registered, this was a morale-boosting win for the Catalans,
Lamine outshines Nico in battle of Spain stars
Saturday’s game saw Nico Williams arrive in Barcelona after a summer where he’s been heavily pursued by the Catalan giants. The Spain star was all smiles ahead of the game as he joked with international team-mates Yamal, Fermin, Pedri, Ferran, Balde and Gavi.
On the pitch, there were rather bizarrely a few whistles for Nico from some home fans and a tough assignment up against Jules Kounde. Flick had backed Kounde to “take care” of Nico and he certainly did the business as the Athletic star was outshone by his good mate Lamine.
12 – Among players born since 2005, only Mathys Tel (17 – 12 goals and 5 assists) has more goal involvements in the top five European leagues than Lamine Yamal (12 – 6 goals and 6 assists, the same as Désiré Doué, 7 and 5).
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Barca’s No. 19 opened the scoring in stunning style with a curling effort from range, even if it did take a deflection before going in. Nico was actually in close attendance, and probably knew which way Yamal was going to go, but couldn’t prevent the teenager from bagging the opener and the first of what will surely be many for the youngster this season.
Lewandowski the match-winner again
Lewandowski celebrated his 36th birthday this week and there’s been plenty of talk this summer about the Poland international and his value to the Catalan giants.
The veteran striker was the match-winner against Valencia last time out and did it again for Barcelona as he netted his third goal of the new season to win the game for the hosts.
In truth, Lewandowski should have probably had a few more. The Poland international hit the woodwork twice but just kept on attacking the box and finally smashed home the winner in the 75th minute with a low strike.
Much has been written about Lewandowski already but he certainly seems to be enjoying life working under Hansi Flick again at Barcelona and has played a key role in the team’s opening two wins.
