Barcelona – Athletic Club: Hansi Flick clinches his first home win (2-1)

For the second game in a row, Robert Lewandowski stepped up, securing three points for Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s men showed an evolution in all phases of the game in comparison to their match against Valencia, leaving their former manager Ernesto Valverde still looking for the first win of this season.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Barcelona started the 2024/25 season by beating Valencia at their Stadium Mestalla. A paramount win that represents an emotional and mental push for Hansi Flick’s men in the hope of winning the Spanish league after finishing in second place last season. The Catalans’ inaugural game saw Ilkay Gündoğan out of the squad as he was packing up for a return to his former club, Manchester City.

Before the real clash on the grass, Barcelona and Athletic Club were in the middle of a saga as club president Joan Laporta was keen to reunite Nico Williams with Lamine Yamal. Barcelona's board hoped to build their team around both gems, inspired by their performances in Euro 2024. However, the deal was nipped in the bud due to Barcelona’s financial issues. As a result, Ernesto Valverde returned to face his former club with Nico Williams playing for his side.

Hansi Flick made one change to his main eleven as Pedri returned to his place in the midfield. Marc-André Ter Stegen was the captain and the goalkeeper. Paul Cubarsí and Iñigo Martinez formed the backbone of the . . .