FC Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the LALIGA season with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick made one change from the opening day win over Valencia last weekend as Pedri came in for Marc Casado.
Winger Ferran Torres displayed predatory footwork to cut inside over a ten-minute spell and get a shot away, but goalkeeper Alex Padilla drew a save.
The host did go ahead midway in the first half after Padilla punched a high ball back into play where the exciting Lamine Yamal took aim and curled in the top corner.
Bilbao continued to chase matters later on in the half and a curling strike from a tight angle by Robert Lewandowski shaved the top corner – denying Barca a second of the evening.
The contest were levelled five minutes to the interval with Pau Cubarsi flagged for bumping into Alex Berenguer and conceded a penalty which Oihan Sancet had no problems netting in.
Torres came close to restoring the lead minutes after halftime from a through pass by Marc Bernal, but Padilla rushed out timeously and narrowed him down.
More chances came for the Catalans a little later when a floated ball following a free-kick met the head of Lewandowski who unfortunately hit the woodwork.
Lewandowski continued to pose problems in the latter exchanges and a superb save from Padilla prevented him from profiting on the volley.
The former Bayern Munich marksman eventually got rewarded from persistent probing and helped in a snap shot from Pedri after Padilla battled to get a firm grip.
Defender Eric Garcia came on in the remaining seven minutes and replaced Bernal, with the clash in the balance.
Bilbao failed to master a response in added time as the Blaugrana secured the victory and maintained a hundred percent start to the season