Barcelona closed out their 2024-25 La Liga campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Athletic Club at San Mames, showcasing the quality and depth that made them champions. Spearheaded by Robert Lewandowski’s milestone brace and an influential display from Raphinha, the Catalan giants delivered a performance that sent a strong message ahead of the off-season.
Lewandowski Reaches 100 Goals in Barcelona Colours
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Robert Lewandowski’s achievement. The Polish striker, who has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s attack, brought up his 100th goal for the club in style. Just 13 minutes into the game, he latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Fermin Lopez, delicately chipping Athletic’s goalkeeper Unai Simon to open the scoring.
Barely four minutes later, Lewandowski was at it again. This time, he drifted into space at the far post to meet a pinpoint cross from Raphinha, heading the ball past Simon to double Barcelona’s lead. The clinical nature of his finishing underlined why he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in world football. His chance for a hat-trick came shortly after halftime, but his close-range effort grazed the crossbar—a rare miss in an otherwise lethal outing.
Raphinha Shines Bright with Ballon d’Or-Worthy Display
If Lewandowski was the finisher, Raphinha was the architect. The Brazilian winger turned in a performance brimming with flair, creativity, and work rate. His delivery for Lewandowski’s second goal was world-class, and his vision and passing carved open the Athletic defense time and again. Even when not directly involved in the goals, Raphinha’s pressing, dribbling, and presence on the flank kept the hosts on their heels.
His consistent excellence this season has not gone unnoticed, and with performances like this, Raphinha has firmly inserted his name into the conversation for the Ballon d’Or.
Dani Olmo Caps Off the Night with a Confident Finish
Barcelona’s dominance was capped off in injury time when substitute Dani Olmo converted a penalty to make it 3-0. The spot-kick was awarded after a VAR review determined he had been fouled inside the box. Calm and composed, Olmo sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, sealing a victory that reflected Barcelona’s superiority.
Midfield Brilliance and Defensive Solidity
The midfield trio of Gavi, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez controlled the tempo of the match with maturity and confidence. Gavi stood out for his tenacity, ball control, and relentless pressing, while Pedri’s passing, though not at his best, still offered glimpses of his usual brilliance. Fermin Lopez was particularly impressive, not only providing the assist for the opener but also linking play effectively throughout the game.
At the back, Barcelona remained composed and disciplined. Despite some moments of pressure from Athletic Club—who struck the crossbar in the 70th minute—the defensive unit held firm. Pau Cubarsi was exceptional in possession, and Eric Garcia made several crucial tackles to keep Nico Williams quiet. Goalkeeper Inaki Pena wasn’t tested often, but when called upon, he remained alert and composed.
Flick’s Tactical Mastery Ends Season on a High Note
Manager Hansi Flick deserves credit for orchestrating a seamless performance with a rotated squad. His decision to rest key players while still fielding a competitive XI demonstrated trust in the depth of his roster. The tactical setup allowed Barcelona to dominate possession, control transitions, and exploit the wide areas effectively.
Flick’s game management—bringing on Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, and others—ensured the team stayed balanced and focused until the final whistle. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining high standards and guiding Barcelona to yet another league title.
A Statement Victory to Close Out a Memorable Season
Barcelona’s 3-0 win at San Mames wasn’t just a routine end-of-season victory—it was a statement of intent. With key players firing on all cylinders, young talents stepping up, and the squad displaying cohesion and purpose, the Blaugrana have every reason to look forward to the next campaign with optimism.
Lewandowski’s 100-goal milestone, Raphinha’s world-class performance, and a clean sheet on the road are reflections of a team in harmony. As the curtain falls on the La Liga season, Barcelona have once again proven why they are a force to be reckoned with in European football.
