Rodri made a winning return to LaLiga as Barcelona beat Athletic Club 2-0 at Camp Nou on Thursday thanks to goals from Raphinha and Fermín López.

World Cup-winner Rodri, signed from Manchester City for a total package worth €76.5 million ($89m) earlier this month, made his Barça debut off the bench after Raphinha's third goal in two matches had given his side a 1-0 interval lead.

Barça spurned a number of chances and Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón pulled off several top-class saves before Fermín sealed a second LaLiga win in five days for the reigning champions.

After his exploits at the World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, Rodri was left out as Barcelona started the season with a 5-0 win at Elche on Sunday.

He began Thursday's game on the bench as coach Hansi Flick started with four teenagers -- Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart.

PA contributed to this report.