Rodri’s debut, Cubarsi’s return | Three takeaways from Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club

Barcelona made it six points in two games with their win over Athletic Club last night as they took the Basque giants down with a 2-0 scoreline at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Pedri, Pau Cubarsi and Anthony Gordon entered the starting lineup on the night and the team looked comfortable, yet threatening from the get-go.

Raphinha eventually scored the opener with some wonderful footwork and Barcelona toiled to earn the second goal to pull free of the competition.

Eventually, a bit of luck and Fermin Lopez’s lethality helped the team secure the 2-0 win and helped them back to the top of the table.

Barça Universal brings you three takeaways from Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club.

A ‘Simon’ away from destruction

Going purely by the scoreline, Barcelona’s win over Elche appears significantly more dominant than their win last night over Athletic Club de Bilbao. The reality, however, is very different.

Unai Simon played a fantastic game against Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Taking to the field last night for the second official game of the season, Barcelona were dominant from the get-go and relentlessly attacked the visitors, even more than they did against Elche.

The scoreline, however, tells a different story, and that was only down to one man – Unai Simon.

On the night at Spotify Camp Nou, the Spanish national team goalkeeper showed his class and bailed his team out of difficult situations repeatedly. In 90 minutes, he made a staggering eight saves, six of which came from inside the box.

Had it not been for Simon, the scoreline could well have been 6-0 or even 7-0 in Barcelona’s favour, for they hit the woodwork twice and were denied by Simon’s brilliance time and time again beyond the two goals that counted.

If anything, the performance only solidifies the argument that Barcelona’s attack looks lethal without a striker for the second straight game. After all, the team created four big chances and had an xG of 4.23 compared to the opposition’s 0.25.

Cubarsi returns with gold

Pau Cubarsi made his first official appearance of the new season last night. It was, in fact, his first start in a competitive game since the FIFA World Cup final.

Pau Cubarsi returned to the starting XI. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Rightfully named the Best Young Player at the World Cup, Cubarsi picked up exactly where he left off and showed no signs of rustiness despite playing after over a month.

The young defender’s reading of the game was immaculate, and he placed himself in the best strategic position to nullify the opposition’s attacking threat. His defensive contributions were well-timed, and his distribution was silky as always.

In 90 minutes, the teenage sensation made two tackles, three clearances and won five duels. He completed 95% of his passes and was crucial to the clean sheet being maintained.

Barcelona’s defence looked superior in terms of the cohesion and implementation of the high line with the youngster back, and it is clear at this point that he is another young anomaly of the sport.

His return to club football in top condition, needless to say, comes as a massive boost to Hansi Flick’s plans.

Rodri makes his debut

The one moment Barcelona’s game last night will be remembered for in the years to come was the 63rd minute of the game when the club’s latest and marquee signing Rodri took to the field to make his official debut.

Rodri made his official debut for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Having only completed his transfer last week, it was unclear when fans would get to see him in action for the first time. After all, he also underwent recent surgery on his back.

Despite everything, however, the player began training with the group in no time and came off the bench for his official debut against Athletic Club. He played the final half an hour, and his integration seemed effortless.

Playing in a system constructed to maximise his strengths, Rodri looked comfortable playing as Barcelona’s pivot and linked up well with Pedri, Dani Olmo, Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez.

The team instantly shifted to a traditional 4-3-3 after his arrival, making it clear what role Flick sees best suited for Rodri. Pedri moved into an attacking midfield role, and the new signing held the fortress with ease.

There is no doubt that the player is still rusty and will take some time to adapt and enhance his link-up with the existing players. What last night’s game showed, however, is that it will not take too long.

In just 27 minutes, the former Manchester City star made 23 accurate passes with an accuracy rate of 88%. He also made one key pass and had three defensive contributions with three ground duels won at a 100% success rate.

It remains to be seen when the player is fit enough to start, but it is safe to say that Rodri’s debut was promising and that the team will move several notches up in terms of stability with him holding the fortress.