Robert Lewandowski's landmark strike sparks Barcelona's dominant victory

The result showcased their attacking flair and midfield control, leaving Athletic Club struggling to respond.

Before kick-off, Athletic Club fans gave a heartfelt send-off to veteran Oscar de Marcos, but their early enthusiasm was quickly tested. Within the first minute, the hosts pressed Barcelona relentlessly, nearly scoring when Maroan Sannadi's towering header was disallowed for offside.

Nico Williams also threatened, as Athletic Club pinned Barcelona back in their own half early on.

Barcelona, however, turned the tide through Pedri's relentless energy. In the 13th minute, his quick free-kick found Fermin Lopez, who set up Robert Lewandowski for his 100th Barcelona goal, a delicate chip over the Athletic Club defence. "It's a special moment to reach this milestone," Lewandowski said post-match, per an X update from Barcelona's official account.

Moments later, he doubled the lead, heading in unmarked from a corner.

The intensity from both sides was electric, but Barcelona's midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal gradually took control. By the end of the first half, the visitors held 74% possession, prompting jeers from the frustrated home crowd.

After the break, Barcelona maintained their dominance. Raphinha's pinpoint pass in the 47th minute gave Lewandowski a chance for a hat-trick, but his close-range effort sailed into the stands. Yamal also went close, while Athletic Club's rare attacks saw Williams and Sannadi waste opportunities.

The final half-hour belonged to Barcelona, with Athletic Club limited to sporadic counterattacks. A brief scare came in the 70th minute when Pau Cubarsi's wayward header struck the crossbar, but goalkeeper Inaki Pena was otherwise untroubled.

In the 94th minute, Dani Olmo sealed the victory with a coolly converted penalty, marking Barcelona's 28th league win of the season.

"These are the performances that define champions," manager Hansi Flick said, as quoted on X by Barcelona's official account. The club's unbeaten run in 18 of their last 19 La Liga matches since January underlines their dominance, while Athletic Club have now failed to win any of their last 11 league encounters against Barcelona.

Recent X posts from Athletic Club's account praised their early aggression but acknowledged Barcelona's clinical edge. "We fought hard, but their quality made the difference," the club posted.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's social media celebrated Lewandowski's milestone and the team's "relentless" display, setting an optimistic tone for their title defense next season.

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