Barcelona cruised to win at home to Athletic Club
Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 win at home to Athletic Club on Sunday night,
securing impressive back-to-back wins following El Clasico disappointment.
Ousmane Dembele put Athletic to the sword from the off and headed Barcelona in front,
before turning provider for Sergi Roberto to double the lead. Robert Lewandowski got in on the act for the hosts, who were in complete control and eased their way into half-time with the game essentially won already.
Watch Barcelona four goals today!!
With the hard yards already ran,
Xavi’s side dropped the tempo somewhat in the second half and played the game at a canter. Athletic failed to capitalise on that despite winning back some possession,
with Barcelona constantly looking in control and Ferran Torres putting the seal on proceedings late on.
After a strong showing against Villarreal in the midweek,
it was unusual to see Xavi set Barcelona up in a tweaked,
4-2-3-1 shape that made use of four midfielders.
The change paid dividends, though,
with his side dominating the ball from the first whistle and pulling ahead after just 12 minutes of play.
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Dembele forced a fine save from Unai Simon with a curled effort from the edge of the box. Robert Lewandowski was there to scoop up the rebound,
though, before placing a well-weighted cross onto Dembele’s head,
who took his second chance with ease.
Conceding an early goal quickly turned into a nightmare opening 20 minutes for the visitors. Sergi Roberto doubled Barcelona’s lead shortly after going ahead,
playing a smart passing exchange with Dembele before bursting into the box and finding the bottom corner. Moments later, Ander Herrera limped off injured,
leaving an already shell-shocked Athletic completely helpless.
And before long,
they were 3-0 down. Lewandowski turned Oscar de Marcos inside out in the penalty area, before rifling past Simon. La Blaugrana were in complete control,
with Ernesto Valverde’s side still seemingly on the team bus and showing no signs of coming off it anytime soon.
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Unfortunately for Barcelona,
a flawless first half was marred by Gavi being forced off injured following a clash with Dani Garcia. That substitution saw them take their foot off the gas somewhat,