Barcelona crushes at Camp Nou: 4-0 and triumphant return against Athletic

Flick Celebrates Barcelona’s Triumphant Return to Camp Nou

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick called the team’s return to Spotify Camp Nou a “perfect day” after a long wait. The Spanish champions celebrated their return with a resounding 4-0 victory over Athletic Club. The match marked Barcelona’s first game at Camp Nou since the stadium closed for renovation in May 2023. For more than two years, the team played its matches at the city’s Olympic Stadium. Robert Lewandowski scored the first goal in the renovated stadium, which is still in the process of being completed. Ferran Torres scored two goals and Fermín López also contributed with a goal. With this victory, Barça provisionally placed themselves ahead of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, on goal difference.

“For everyone, players, staff, coaches, it was a special match, also for the fans to return here to this stadium was an incredible feeling,” Flick commented in a press conference after the match.

Hansi Flick

Flick added: “We won three points, 4-0, it wasn’t easy, especially in the first half against Athletic. But, in the end, everything went well. I’m happy with the clean sheet, four goals and three points: it was the perfect day for us.”

The third tier and the roof still need to be added before Camp Nou is completely finished. The maximum attendance for the match against Athletic was 45,157 spectators. The club hopes to receive permission to increase the number of fans allowed to more than 60,000 in the new year, with the capacity eventually increasing to 105,000, the highest in Europe. For many Barça players, such as goalscorer Fermín, goalkeeper Joan García, and defender Pau Cubarsí, this was the first time they played at the Camp Nou. It was also the first time Flick managed the team at the stadium. “It was a great feeling when you come out of the stairs and reach the field and see all the fans,” added the German coach. Lewandowski, whose eighth goal of the season opened the scoring, declared that it was a moment he will remember forever.

“Today was a special day, not only for me but for everyone. That’s why I’m very happy to have been able to score the first goal, returning to Camp Nou,” said Lewandowski.

Robert Lewandowski

The Polish striker added: “I have a lot of experience playing in different stadiums, but here there is something special. I am very proud of myself and also of the team because we did a great job today and we won. I think this first goal is something I will remember forever.”

Flick also praised Lewandowski, whose contract with Barça expires next summer, shortly before turning 38 years old.

“He’s a player who, when he has an opportunity, is usually almost 100% to score,” Flick said. “It was very important today that we scored very early, because it gives us the confidence we need. For me, I think that in the last 10 years, he may be the best number 9. It has nothing to do with age, he is in shape and hungry to score goals”.

Hansi Flick

In other good news, Raphinha also returned from a two-month injury layoff as a substitute in the second half, while Garcia’s clean sheet, in his first appearance in two months, was Barca’s first since September. The Barça now turns its attention to the Champions League on Tuesday, when they travel to Chelsea. Frenkie de Jong will return from suspension for that match, while Pedri is also pushing to be available again after a hamstring injury.