After a two-and-a-half-year wait, Barcelona finally returned to their newly renovated Camp Nou in spectacular fashion, dismantling Athletic Bilbao 4-0 on Saturday in a La Liga clash that saw the Catalan giants rise to joint top of the league table.
The Spanish champions had originally planned to reopen the iconic stadium last year, but construction delays and logistical setbacks forced a longer wait.
The return, however, lived up to the anticipation, with fireworks lighting the sky before and after the match and more than 45,000 fans filling the three operational stands.
Despite high ticket prices, the atmosphere was electric as supporters celebrated the team’s homecoming.
Club officials hope to gradually increase available seats through 2026, with full capacity of 105,000 expected next season.
Barcelona’s victory was orchestrated by a combination of clinical finishing and relentless pressing.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, wearing the captain’s armband, opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
A well-timed interception by Eric Garcia in midfield allowed Lewandowski to beat Athletic’s goalkeeper Unai Simon at his near post, registering his eighth league goal in a season plagued by injuries.
Spanish forward Ferran Torres proved the match-winner, scoring twice after Lewandowski’s opener.
Torres was set up on both occasions by rising star Lamine Yamal, showcasing Barcelona’s blend of experienced talent and youthful exuberance.
Fermin Lopez also added his name to the scoresheet, making the victory even more comprehensive.
Athletic Bilbao endured a frustrating day, worsened when midfielder Oihan Sancet was sent off after a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Lopez.
Despite brief flashes of attacking intent from the Basque side, including efforts from Unai Gomez and Nico Williams, they were unable to penetrate Barcelona’s solid defense, led by a resilient Joan Garcia, who returned from injury to secure his first clean sheet since September.
The first half saw Barcelona take control, with Lopez coming close to doubling the lead before half-time. Torres eventually scored, putting the team 2-0 ahead going into the break.
Early in the second half, Lopez added another goal following a well-pressured interception by Garcia.
Torres completed his brace late in the match, sealing a perfect return for Barcelona at their iconic home ground.
The match also served as a nostalgic moment for fans, who paid tribute to club legend Lionel Messi with a rousing chant in the 10th minute, acknowledging the past even as they embraced a new era.
Meanwhile, Athletic’s Nico Williams faced whistles throughout the match in response to his decision not to join Barcelona.
Manager Hansi Flick praised his side’s performance, noting the importance of maintaining momentum as they now sit level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona’s focus will now shift to sustaining their form while preparing for upcoming fixtures, confident that the renovated Camp Nou can once again become a fortress for the Catalan giants.
