FC Barcelona leads Athletic Club 1-0 at halftime thanks to Raphinha’s goal

FC Barcelona carry a 1-0 lead into the break against Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou, with Raphinha providing the difference in what has been a controlled first-half performance from the defending La Liga champions. The Brazilian forward finished off a slick through ball from Pedri in the 37th minute, capping a half where Barcelona have looked every bit the side that opened their season with a 5-0 demolition of Elche just four days ago. It’s Barcelona’s first home match of the 2026-27 campaign, and so far the hosts are treating it like a statement of intent rather than a formality. How the goal unfolded Raphinha’s finish was the product of patient buildup. Pedri threaded a ball through Athletic Club’s defensive line, and Raphinha did the rest, converting with composure. Raphinha had already rattled the post earlier in the half, a near-miss that signaled Barcelona’s attacking intent long before the breakthrough arrived. Barcelona’s possession dominance has been the defining feature of the opening 45 minutes, with the hosts creating multiple chances beyond the goal and the post-rattling effort. Raphinha’s early-season surge This is shaping up to be another strong campaign for Raphi...