Barcelona could not have asked for a more electrifying homecoming. After more than two years away from Camp Nou due to reconstruction work, the Catalan giants marked their return with a commanding 4–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao — a night defined by fireworks, emotion, and a powerful statement of intent.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
The rebuilt Camp Nou welcomed tens of thousands of supporters for the first time in 909 days. Despite the stadium being only partially completed, the energy inside was unmistakable. Fans roared as Barcelona stepped onto their historic turf once again, celebrating the moment with pre-match fireworks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Barcelona Waste No Time
The match had barely settled when Barcelona took the lead. Robert Lewandowski struck just four minutes in, capitalizing on a defensive error to score the first goal in the new era of Camp Nou. His celebration showed just how much the moment meant — a historic goal in a historic night.
Barcelona continued to dominate, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal providing creativity and flair on the wings. Ferran Torres doubled Barça’s lead right before halftime, capping a fast, aggressive attacking display.
Second-Half Control
Early in the second half, Fermín López made it 3–0 after another defensive lapse from Athletic. Minutes later, Athletic’s Oihan Sancet was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to ten men and making the rest of the match a one-sided affair.
Ferran Torres then added his second of the night, sealing the 4–0 scoreline and ensuring Barcelona celebrated their grand return in emphatic fashion.
A Perfect Day, Says Hansi Flick
Head coach Hansi Flick described the night as “a perfect day,” praising his players for delivering a performance worthy of the occasion: four goals scored, none conceded, and dominance from start to finish.
Lewandowski echoed the sentiment, noting that scoring the first goal in the newly rebuilt stadium was a moment he would “never forget.”
Symbolic, Emotional, and Powerful
The win was more than just three points — it was symbolic. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s history and showed a renewed sense of strength and unity. With Camp Nou set to reach full capacity once construction is complete, the club and its supporters are looking forward to what lies ahead.
Barcelona’s victory also pushed them level on points at the top of La Liga, sending a clear message to rivals: the fortress of Camp Nou is back.
References
- ESPN: Barcelona return to Camp Nou with 4-0 win, ‘a perfect day’ ESPN.com+1
- NDTV: Barcelona Thrash Athletic Bilbao To Inaugurate Rebuilt Camp Nou NDTV Sports
- Vanguard News: Barca thrash Athletic 4-0 to celebrate rebuilt Camp Nou Vanguard News
- The Independent: Barcelona celebrate return to Camp Nou with Athletic Bilbao thrashing The Independent
- The Japan Times: Barcelona returns to Camp Nou in style with win over Athletic Bilbao The Japan Times
- RTL Today: La Liga: Barca thrash Athletic to inaugurate rebuilt Camp Nou in style RTL Today
