Football

Robert Lewandowski's clinical finish in the 75th minute secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Barcelona over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday. The Polish striker, despite missing several earlier chances, remained composed to slot home the winner and earn Barcelona their second consecutive league win under new coach Hansi Flick.Barcelona took the lead in the first half through a deflected effort from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. However, Athletic Bilbao equalized from the penalty spot before halftime, with Oihan Sancet converting after Pau Cubarsi's clumsy foul on Alejandro Berenguer.Lewandowski had a frustrating first half, hitting the woodwork twice. But he made amends in the second half, firing home from close range after Raphinha's cross was parried into his path.Barcelona dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match. Pedri, making his first start after injury, impressed in midfield alongside Yamal. Raphinha also played a key role, providing the assist for Lewandowski's winner.Athletic Bilbao, despite their spirited performance, were unable to find an equalizer. They remain with just one point from their first two matches.Flick praised Lewandowski's resilience and Barcelona's overall performance. "Especially in the first half, he could have scored one or two goals... but in the end, this is a goal getter, a striker, who scores goals," Flick said. "The second goal was the winner, three points, perfect."Despite the absence of new signing Dani Olmo due to Barcelona's financial difficulties, Flick remains optimistic about his team's prospects. "These are things we have to accept because we cannot change it," he said. "We knew when we signed for Barca (the financial situation) is not easy, (so I) don't think about that. Today we wanted three points and we got it."

Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, two Spanish football powerhouses, are set to clash in a crucial La Liga match on Saturday, with Champions League qualification on the line. Atletico, currently fourth in the standings, holds a three-point advantage over fifth-placed Athletic.Diego Simeone's Atletico have endured a turbulent season, suffering a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals and a disappointing loss to Alaves in La Liga. The pressure is mounting on Simeone's team to deliver a strong performance against Athletic.Ernesto Valverde's Athletic, on the other hand, have been in impressive form this season, particularly against Atletico. They have defeated Simeone's side on all three occasions they have met, scoring six goals and conceding none.In December, Athletic outplayed Atletico 2-0 at San Mames, prompting Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak to criticize his team's performance. "You can't win titles like this, you can't win leagues... Bilbao were a lot better than us," Oblak said.The teams met again in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, with Atletico losing 1-0 at home. Athletic dominated the second leg, securing a 3-0 victory.Despite their recent struggles, Atletico remain a formidable opponent. They have a strong squad and a proven track record of success under Simeone. However, Athletic will be confident of securing a victory, knowing that it would give them a significant boost in their quest for Champions League qualification.The match promises to be a high-intensity affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. Atletico will be eager to bounce back from their recent setbacks, while Athletic will be determined to continue their impressive run against Simeone's side.

La Liga's title race is heating up as leaders Real Madrid prepare to host Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Madrid holds an eight-point advantage over Barcelona with nine matches remaining, but Athletic, currently fourth in the standings, will pose a significant challenge at the Santiago Bernabeu.Athletic, under the guidance of Ernesto Valverde, is vying for a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football. They are just a point ahead of Atletico Madrid, who face Villarreal on Monday.Madrid's comfortable lead means they can focus on securing the title, while Barcelona, despite their recent resurgence, faces an uphill battle. The Catalans have won 10 consecutive matches but trail Madrid by a significant margin."All the players are giving their best and are at their best level," said Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez. "Now we're at our best moment of the season, it's a moment to dream."Real Madrid is expected to welcome back defender Eder Militao from injury, while top goalscorer Jude Bellingham returns from suspension. However, both players have minor fitness concerns after international duty.Despite Madrid's injury woes, coach Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about their chances of silverware. "We have to be excited for the games to come, we have to be happy, satisfied, and hopeful," he said.Girona, seven points clear of Atletico, should secure a top-four spot, but their recent form has been poor. They host Real Betis on Sunday before visiting Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has declared that his team is entering a "moment of truth" as they prepare for crucial matches in La Liga and the Champions League. The Catalan giants have enjoyed a resurgence in form, winning six consecutive matches in all competitions.Xavi's comments come after a turbulent period for Barcelona, who were written off as title contenders following a string of poor results in January. However, the team has since turned things around, with Xavi crediting the players' improved performances and positive mindset."We are much better than a few matches ago," Xavi said. "We have good feelings and this is the moment of truth. To measure ourselves against direct rivals as the Champions League approaches, this is the decisive moment."Barcelona currently trail league leaders Real Madrid by eight points, but have a game in hand. A victory at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday would be a significant step towards closing the gap. Athletic Bilbao, who are undefeated at home this season, will provide a stern test for Xavi's side."If we win, it'll be a big step forward," Xavi said. "We need to find the continuity in our game which we are lacking."Xavi also addressed speculation about his future, stating that his focus remains on the present. "Today nothing has changed, it's not an issue," he said.Barcelona's resurgence has been built on a solid defensive foundation and a more attacking approach in midfield. Pedri and Gavi have been instrumental in the team's recent success, providing creativity and energy in the center of the park.Robert Lewandowski continues to be a potent threat in front of goal, having scored 25 goals in all competitions this season. The Polish striker will be looking to add to his tally against Athletic Bilbao.With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, Barcelona will be eager to maintain their momentum. They will host Napoli in the second leg of their last-16 tie on March 15, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake.

In a thrilling encounter at San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao defeated Girona 3-2, halting the Catalans' impressive unbeaten streak and serving as a reality check for their lofty LaLiga title aspirations. Girona, who had been the season's early pacesetters, had gone 15 league games without a loss before suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid nine days prior. Their recent struggles continued, with only one win in their last five games across all competitions, leaving them vulnerable to being overtaken by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the standings.The match began with Athletic Bilbao dominating possession and dictating the tempo. Their dominance paid off early when Alex Berenguer intercepted a pass from Aleix Garcia and slotted the ball past Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga in just the second minute. Despite their early advantage, Athletic Bilbao missed several chances to extend their lead, including a glaring miss from close range by Inaki Williams in the seventh minute.Girona showed resilience and managed to equalize in the 49th minute through Viktor Tsyhankov, who tapped in a cross from Ivan Martin. However, Athletic Bilbao regained the lead seven minutes later when Berenguer struck again, this time with a composed finish. Williams then extended their advantage in the 60th minute, capitalizing on another Girona defensive error.Girona refused to give up and pulled one back in the 75th minute through Eric Garcia, who converted a free kick from Aleix Garcia. Despite their late push, Athletic Bilbao held on to secure their seventh consecutive home win, keeping their hopes of a top-four finish and a place in next season's Champions League alive.After the match, Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams expressed his pride in the team's performance and emphasized the importance of looking up and continuing to dream. The result was a significant setback for Girona, who now face an uphill battle to maintain their position in the top three.