FC Barcelona’s Triumphant Return to Camp Nou
In a delightful spectacle, FC Barcelona marked their return to the Spotify Camp Nou with a resounding 4-0 win against Athletic Club, delighting fans on what was described as a “perfect day” by coach Hansi Flick. This significant match, held on Saturday, was the first for the club at their iconic home ground since renovations commenced in May 2023, compelling the team to host games at the Olympic Stadium for over two years.
Match Highlights
Robert Lewandowski kicked off the scoring with the inaugural goal at the partially completed Camp Nou, still awaiting the addition of its third tier and roof. His strike was complemented by a brace from Ferran Torres and another goal from Fermín López, allowing Barcelona to temporarily take the top spot in La Liga on goal difference, ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Elche scheduled for Sunday.
Flick expressed immense pride both in the result and the atmosphere, stating, “For everyone — players, staff, coaches, and fans — being back in this stadium was simply unbelievable. Scoring four goals and earning three points makes it a perfect day, especially after a challenging first half against Athletic.”
Future Prospects and Player Highlights
As of now, the attendance cap for the refurbished stadium is set at 45,157, but plans to increase this number to over 60,000 are anticipated for the upcoming year, with a long-term goal of reaching a capacity of 105,000, potentially the largest in Europe. For many players like Fermín, goalie Joan García, and defender Pau Cubarsí, this match held special significance as it was their first experience playing at Camp Nou. Flick himself celebrated the occasion, recalling his earlier aspirations for coaching at such a prestigious venue.
Lewandowski, who now holds eight league goals this season, expressed his joy at scoring the first goal in the newly refurbished stadium. He remarked, “Today was a special day for everyone involved. I am proud to have scored the first goal on our return to Camp Nou. This is a moment I will cherish forever.”
Barcelona’s time spent at the Olympic Stadium yielded strong results, including winning La Liga last season. However, the challenges of location and stadium design impacted the overall atmosphere. Lewandowski reflected on the emotions leading into the match, noting he felt prior to the game that something remarkable was about to unfold. He acknowledged the team’s collective effort in achieving victory against Athletic Club.
Flick also commended Lewandowski, referring to him as one of the best strikers of the last decade despite his impending 38th birthday and emphasized the importance of an early goal in boosting team confidence.
In promising news, Raphinha returned from injury to play a role in the match, alongside García achieving a clean sheet in his first appearance after two months. Barcelona’s next challenge will be a match against Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Frenkie de Jong poised to return from suspension and Pedri working towards recovery from his hamstring injury.
