Imagine waiting years for a grand reopening, only to deliver a performance that blows everyone away. That's exactly what Barcelona did, and it's more than just a win – it's a statement! After enduring construction delays and numerous setbacks that pushed back the Camp Nou's reopening by a year, the Spanish champions finally christened their rebuilt stadium with a resounding 4-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
The atmosphere was electric as Ferran Torres bagged a brace, adding to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue Athletic were already mentally defeated after Oihan Sancet's second-half red card, making Barca's victory less impressive. What do you think?
Hansi Flick's squad now finds themselves neck-and-neck with Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga. However, Los Blancos have a chance to respond when they visit Elche on Sunday. The stakes are incredibly high!
"For everyone – the players, the staff, the coaches – it was a special game. And also for the fans to be back here in this stadium is unbelievable," Flick shared with reporters, clearly moved by the occasion. He added, "I'm happy with the clean sheet, the four goals, and the three points – the perfect day for us." It truly sounds like a dream come true, as Flick himself described coaching Barca at Camp Nou.
Before and after the match, a dazzling fireworks display illuminated the sky, welcoming over 45,000 ecstatic fans who packed the opened stands. And this is the part most people miss... Despite the eye-watering ticket prices, the match was practically a sell-out, demonstrating the unwavering loyalty of the Barça faithful. The club hopes to gradually increase capacity, aiming for a full 105,000 seats by next season and complete the renovations by 2026.
"We have to wait, step by step... we are looking forward (to that)," Flick stated patiently. And the patience paid off immediately with a dominant performance.
Adding to the positive vibes, goalkeeper Joan Garcia returned from a nine-game injury layoff and played a crucial role in securing the team's first clean sheet since September. A welcome boost for their defensive stability!
The long-awaited return to Camp Nou was made even sweeter when veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, sporting the captain's armband, etched his name into history by scoring the first goal in the newly renovated stadium just four minutes into the game. Eric Garcia, surprisingly deployed in midfield due to Frenkie de Jong's suspension, won the ball in a high-pressing situation. Lewandowski then unleashed a powerful low shot that beat Unai Simon at his near post. The Basque goalkeeper arguably should have saved it, but Lewandowski wasn't complaining as he celebrated his eighth league goal of a season disrupted by injuries.
"Today was a special day, not only for me but for everyone," Lewandowski told Barca One, radiating joy. "I'm very happy that I could score the first goal, coming back to Camp Nou... I think this first goal for me is something that I'm going to remember forever." A moment etched in his memory and in the hearts of the fans.
Even the legendary Lionel Messi made a surprise visit to the renovated stadium a couple of weeks prior. During the 10th minute of the game, the fans erupted in chants of his name, paying homage to Barcelona's glorious past while embracing a new chapter. It's a powerful reminder of the club's rich history.
However, it wasn't all love and admiration. The home crowd made their feelings clear about Nico Williams's decision not to join Barcelona, booing the Spain forward at every opportunity. It's a reminder that football fandom can be passionate and unforgiving.
Former Barca coach Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Bilbao posed challenges for Barcelona at times during the first half but ultimately failed to create substantial scoring opportunities.
Torres then stole the spotlight with a fantastic brace. Athletic forward Unai Gomez fired a shot over the bar, and Williams curled one wide before Barcelona doubled their advantage just before halftime. Lamine Yamal delivered a sublime pass with the outside of his boot, setting up Torres, who beat Simon, although the goalkeeper again might have done better.
Barcelona continued their dominance early in the second half. Garcia once again displayed excellent pressing skills in Athletic's territory, feeding Lopez, who finished with composure.
Athletic's misery compounded when Sancet received a red card after a VAR review for a frustrated tackle on Lopez.
Flick introduced Brazilian winger Raphinha in the second half after his recovery from injury. He almost made an immediate impact, firing a shot narrowly wide within seconds of coming on.
Barcelona capped off their perfect return to Camp Nou when Yamal showcased his dazzling dribbling skills, evading three defenders before providing another brilliant assist for Torres's second goal.
In other La Liga action, Villarreal maintained pressure on the top two with a 2-1 victory over Mallorca, closing the gap to just two points. Ander Barrenetxea scored a sensational goal from near the halfway line for Real Sociedad as they defeated Osasuna 3-1, moving into a more comfortable mid-table position.
So, Barcelona fans, how does this victory make you feel about the team's prospects for the rest of the season? And for neutral observers, do you think Barcelona can maintain this momentum and challenge for the title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
© 2025 AFP
