FC Barcelona celebrated a triumphant return to the legendary Camp Nou after two and a half years.
In the first game since the stadium’s ongoing modernization, the Catalans won 4-0 (2-0) against Athletic Bilbao. “It’s something different to play here”said center forward Robert Lewandowski: “And rightly so.” Lewandowski had already given Barça the lead in the fourth minute.
For Barcelona’s German coach Hansi Flick it was even the first time in the Catalans’ famous stadium. “It was a special game for everyone – the players, the staff, the coaches – to be back in the stadium. Also for the fans”said Flick. “It was an incredible feeling.”
Successful night
FC Barcelona’s last game at Camp Nou took place 909 days ago on May 28, 2023. At that time, the hosts won 3-0 against RCD Mallorca in front of 88,775 spectators.
“An all-round successful night on the return home”wrote the Spanish newspaper “Sport” after the victory in the home comeback. Until then, FC Barcelona played in the Olympic Stadium.
In the end, more than 100,000 spectators should fit in
This time there were 45,157 spectators, according to the club. The city has not yet allowed anything more. By the end of the year there should be at least 62,000. Once the modernization work is finally completed, the stadium will have a capacity of around 105,000 visitors.
After Lewandowski’s opening goal, Ferran Torres scored Barcelona’s second goal in stoppage time in the first half. Fermín López (48th) and again Ferran Torres (90th) increased after the break.
In the table, Flick’s team, who has been coaching the Catalans since summer 2024, took the lead ahead of Real Madrid. Both clubs have 31 points, but the Whites can get back to 34 on Sunday if they win against newly promoted FC Elche.