Yamal, Lewandowski help Barcelona beat Athletic

Lamine Yamal scored his first La Liga goal of the season as Barcelona battled to a narrow win over Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium.

The 17-year-old Spain winger put Hansi Flick’s side in front in the 24th minute with a curling shot from outside the box which deflected off the head of Athletic defender Inigo Lekue.

Athletic got themselves back on level terms when they were awarded a penalty a minute before half-time, after Pau Cubarsi felled Alex Berenguer inside the box.

Oihan Sancet confidently sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way from the resulting spot-kick.

Robert Lewandowski, who scored both goals in the Catalan club’s 2-1 win over Valencia on the opening weekend, got the winner with 15 minutes to go.

The Poland striker had twice hit the post from good positions earlier in the game but secured the points with a classic poacher’s goal.

Pedri’s low cross was parried by visiting goalkeeper Alex Padilla and Lewandowski pounced on the loose ball to hook home from close range.

Barca’s victory maintained their 100% start to the season in La Liga, with champions Real Madrid hosting Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu at 16:00 BST on Sunday.

Barcelona showed plenty of character to wrap up a gritty win, but were once again without new £51m signing Dani Olmo.

The 26-year-old returned to Barcelona from RB Leipzig, having played for them at youth level.

However, the Catalan club have reportedly been unable to register Olmo because of the Spanish league’s squad cost control rules.

German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan left for former club Manchester City on a free transfer last week to ease Barca’s financial position.

Gundogan had an impressive debut campaign in Spain but was one of Barca’s highest earners.

Barcelona are also believed to be willing to sell striker Vitor Roque before the transfer deadline.

They recently announced the departure of captain Sergi Roberto, while full-back Julian Araujo left for Bournemouth.

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