A Lewandowski goal in the 74th minute saw Athletic leave the Estadi Lluis Companys empty handed
Athletic Club were beaten 2-1 by FC Barcelona at Montjuic. The Lions struggled to contain Robert Lewandowski and the Pole's 74th-minute strike ended any chance the Lions had of victory.
It was a difficult evening against a superior opponent. Athletic, wearing their third kit for the first time, pressed high up the pitch and Barça found it difficult to link up. In fact, apart from a Ferrán Torres shot that Alex Padilla stopped, Barça didn't trouble Athletic too much until their first goal.
It came in the 29th minute. Padilla punched away a corner, but the ball fell to Lamine Yamal, who found the net with a left-footed shot that took a deflection of Iñigo Lekue's head.
Nico Williams, lively on his first start of the season, almost played in Alex Berenguer moments later. The no.7 was inches away from connecting with Nico's cross.
Lewandowski went close twice, one of his efforts hitting the post. Athletic equalised soon after. Berenguer was brought down in the box by Pau Cubarsi after trying to get on the end of a Nico cutback. The referee went to take a look after speaking to VAR and Oihan Sancet stepped up to make it 1-1.
Barça improved after after the break and Athletic needed Padilla to keep the scores close. The young shotstopper made an exceptional save to deny Lewandowski.
The striker hit the post again and then he put the game to bed. Padillia tried to clear a Raphina cross but sent it towards the Polish international, who scored with a powerful effort. Athletic attempted to react but couldn't find an equaliser.
Now it's time to rest and recharge as the Zurigorri face Valencia CF and Atlético Madrid at San Mames next week.
