Barcelona Eyes Commanding Victory Against Struggling Athletic Bilbao in La Liga
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Barcelona's emphatic 5-0 season-opening win over Elche sent a clear message to the rest of La Liga: the defending champions are intent on securing a historic third consecutive league title. Brazilian forward Raphinha and substitute Fermin Lopez each found the net twice, while new signing Karim Adeyemi also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display. Barcelona will now face Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou on August 28, with kickoff scheduled for 03:00 Hong Kong time, live on Now 632.
Key Points
- Barcelona crushed Elche 5-0 away in matchday one, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scoring twice plus Adeyemi's goal
- The Catalans enjoyed a flawless home record last season: 19 wins from 19 matches at Camp Nou, scoring 45 goals
- Athletic Bilbao suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Real Sociedad in their opening fixture, with left-back Yuri Berchiche sent off early
- Bilbao's star winger Nico Williams is battling injury concerns and has struggled to recapture his best form
- Barcelona's squad remains deep despite departures: Lewandowski moved to MLS while Torres joined Ligue 1 side
- German coach Hansi Flick has begun his tenure with a statement victory, though he criticized first-half passing errors
- Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has joined as Barcelona's new defensive midfielder but requires further training before his debut
- Athletic Bilbao finished 12th last season— their lowest league position since 2017/18— and will miss European competition this term
Why It Matters
Barcelona's dominant start under new manager Flick signals their determination to maintain domestic supremacy despite losing key players, while Athletic Bilbao's struggles and injury problems to Nico Williams suggest the visitors face an uphill battle at Camp Nou. Hong Kong viewers can follow the action live on Now 632 as Barcelona aim to extend their impressive winning streak against a depleted opponent .
Barcelona's dominant start under new manager Flick signals their determination to maintain domestic supremacy despite losing key players, while Athletic Bilbao's struggles and injury problems to Nico Williams suggest the visitors face an uphill battle at Camp Nou. Hong Kong viewers can follow the action live on Now 632 as Barcelona aim to extend their impressive winning streak against a depleted opponent .