Robert Lewandowski scores the winner in Barcelona's win over Athletic Bilbao

Barcelona took the "Nico Williams Derby" as Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski scored to give the Catalan side the 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona had the Athletic Bilbao winger on their radar following his outstanding EURO 2024. However, after differing reports on whether a deal could be done, he ended up staying.

Unsurprisingly, in his first touches of the game, he was showered with boos.

On the pitch, Barcelona were the slightly better team though generating little in terms of goal scoring opportuntities.

It would be a bit of magic from Lamine Yamal that broke the deadlock.

A free-kick punched away by the Athletic Bilbao keeper, Alex Padilla, it landed to Yamal outside the box. Guarded by Nico Williams, he cut inside and unleashed a curler that took a deflection but ended up in the back of the net, giving Barcelona the lead.

Lewandowski had a chance to double his side's lead in the final minutes of the half. But he saw his shot hit the post.

The visitors took advantage of that reprieve as they were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute. After a slip inside the box from Alejandro Balde, the ball lande Berenguer who was clattered into by Pau Cubarsi. Oihan Sancet stepped up and equalized.

With their lead gone, Barcelona didn't hang their heads and threatened before the break. That intensity remained in the opening minutes of the second half. As more time went on, the tiredness from the Athletic Bilbao players was evident.

Barcelona could have gone ahead midway through had Alex Padilla not blocked a powerful shot from Lewandowski.

Still, it wouldn't take too long after that for Barcelona to find the winner.

Raphinha, who had an outstanding game, spotted the run from Pedri inside the box. He flicked the ball over his marker and Pedri then sent in a cross. It was palmed by Padilla but it fell to Lewandowski who would not miss this time around.

From there, Athletic Bilbao threatened Marc-Andre ter Stegen very little. Barcelona took advantage of their physical fitness and did a good job of neutralizing the Basque threat. Jules Kounde in particular did well against Nico Williams.

In the five added minutes of stoppage time, Barcelona did a good job of holding onto the ball and pressing despite the fatigue.

Barcelona deservedly beat Athletic Bilbao and won their second consecutive game of the young LaLiga season.

"It's a very important victory to start well at home," Yamal said after the match. "When we have the ball we think about scoring and going to the goal and it's noticeable."

Hansi Flick has won both games to start his tenure but no doubt he'll be looking to improve his team's finishing. Lewandowski could have had a hat-trick and made things a lot smoother. But for now, winning is what matters as Flick tries to imprint his style on his team.

It's a short week for Barcelona as they are back in action on Tuesday away to Rayo Vallecano. Rayo Vallecano have been a thorn in their side recently and will look to right the ship. With three games in one week, expect to see some rotation from Flick. If things go as planned, it could mean the debut of Dani Olmo who continues to wait to be registered.