Barcelona marked their long-awaited return to a rebuilt Camp Nou in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Athletic Bilbao 4–0 to go joint-top of La Liga on Saturday. The evening felt like a festival more than a football match, as fireworks, roaring supporters, and a vibrant atmosphere welcomed the team back after two-and-a-half years in exile.
Originally scheduled to reopen a year earlier, construction delays forced the Spanish champions to wait — but the homecoming proved worth it.
Lewandowski Sets the Tone
Wearing the captain’s armband, Robert Lewandowski struck just four minutes in, capitalising on Eric Garcia’s high press and beating Unai Simón at the near post. Though the goalkeeper got a hand to it, he couldn’t stop Lewandowski from scoring his eighth goal of an interrupted season.
In the 10th minute, the crowd paid tribute to club legend Lionel Messi, singing his name after his recent unplanned visit to the new-look venue.
Torres Shines with a Brace
Athletic battled hard in the first half, but Barcelona doubled their lead just before the interval. Lamine Yamal produced a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass to send Ferran Torres through, and the forward finished clinically — though Simón again might have done better.
Torres later completed his brace late on after another brilliant Yamal assist, sealing a dream homecoming for the Catalans.
Lopez on Target, Sancet Sees Red
Fermín López, lively throughout, scored Barcelona’s third following another aggressive press from Eric Garcia high up the pitch. Athletic’s frustration boiled over soon after, with Oihan Sancet receiving a red card — upgraded by VAR — for a reckless challenge on López.
A Night of Returns
Hansi Flick also welcomed back goalkeeper Joan Garcia after nine games out injured. Garcia delivered a composed performance, including a sharp save to deny Dani Vivian, helping Barça secure their first clean sheet since September.
Camp Nou Reborn
Over 45,000 fans filled the newly opened stands despite steep ticket prices, with the remaining sections set for completion by 2026. Full capacity — a massive 105,000 — is expected next season as the new era truly begins.
With the win, Barcelona pulled level with Real Madrid at the top of the table. Los Blancos travel to Elche on Sunday, but on this night, the spotlight belonged solely to Barcelona and their spectacular new home.
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