Barcelona new signing Rodri made a second half debut for the club in their 2-0 Spanish La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.
The Catalans scored once in each half to secure a hard-fought victory thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.
Barcelona were bereft of clear chances in a pulsating first half but eventually took the lead through Raphinha on 37 minutes. The Brazilian latched on to Pedri’s defence-splitting pass to round goalkeeper Unai Simon and slot into an empty net for a 1-0 lead Barca took into the break.
Both sides created more chances in the second half with Bilbao hitting the post, and Rodri came on in the 63rd minute to make his debut. The former Manchester City midfield controller laid down the marker to give Barcelona more possession and control, and the patient La Liga champions doubled their lead with eight minutes left on the clock thorugh Lopez. The youngster pounced on a short pass meant for stranded goalkeeper Simon, allowing the 23 years old forward to seal all three points.
Rodri finished the match with 29 passes, 88% passing accuracy, and provided one key pass in his 27-minute cameo, as Hansi Flick’s side secured their 7th consecutive win over Bilbao in all competition.
The defending champions have won their opening two matches of the season and are joint-first on the log, but lead Real Madrid with superior goals difference.
