Resilient Robert Lewandowski secures Barcelona win over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga

NEW DELHI: Robert Lewandowski overcame several missed chances to secure a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday. The 36-year-old striker hit the woodwork twice and squandered other opportunities before calmly slotting home the winning goal in the 75th minute.Barcelona took the lead through a deflected shot by young talent Lamine Yamal, but Athletic equalised from the penalty spot through Oihan Sancet before the break. Lewandowski's strike sealed Barcelona's second win in two league games under new manager Hansi Flick.Despite being unable to register new signing Dani Olmo due to financial constraints, Barcelona started with Pedri and 17-year-old Yamal in midfield. Yamal shared a friendly moment with Athletic's Nico Williams, a Barcelona transfer target, before the match.Lewandowski, who scored twice in the opening game against Valencia, hit the post after good work from Yamal and Raphinha. Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla made a brilliant save to deny the Polish striker from another Raphinha cross.Barcelona's pressure finally paid off when Lewandowski fired home his third goal of the season in the 75th minute, following a cross from Pedri that Padilla could only palm into the striker's path.The victory against Ernesto Valverde's Copa del Rey winners is another confidence booster for Barcelona after their opening day win at Valencia. Despite injury issues and the absence of key players like Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, and Ronald Araujo, Flick's team has made a perfect start in their quest to reclaim the title from defending champions Real Madrid, who are expected to mount a strong challenge after signing Kylian Mbappe.