FC Barcelona's long-awaited homecoming to the renovated Camp Nou culminated in a triumphant 4-0 victory over Athletic Club, blending historic sentiment with a display of modern attacking flair. After 909 days away during extensive redevelopment, the Blaugrana returned to their spiritual home in front of 45,157 fans, marking the start of a new chapter while honouring a celebrated past.
A Historic Homecoming Filled with Emotion
The atmosphere was electric as Barcelona players stepped onto the hallowed turf for the first time in over two years. The occasion was made even more poignant by the presence of Juan Canela Salamero, the club's oldest member, who took the honorary kick-off. He was wheeled to the touchline by fellow member Jordi Penas i Iberri and long-serving delegate Carles Naval, clutching his original ticket from the stadium's inaugural opening in September 1957.
Although the stadium's capacity was temporarily reduced to 45,401 with three sides of the lower two tiers open, the sense of occasion was undeniable. Manager Hansi Flick, overseeing his first competitive match at the Camp Nou since his appointment, described the day as "historic" and "a really good feeling to be back here." He reflected on his first visit to the ground, having just been sacked by a third division team, and his ambition to one day occupy the home dugout. "Anything is possible," he remarked.
New Stars Shine on a Grand Stage
The match itself was a showcase for Barcelona's emerging talent, particularly Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old, who had previously played just seven minutes at the Camp Nou as a 15-year-old, was instrumental, providing two extraordinary assists for Ferran Torres. His performance embodied the new era, fulfilling his own pre-match social media post that "the Camp Nou is where history will be written."
The scoring was opened by Robert Lewandowski, who etched his name into the record books by netting the first official goal at the renovated stadium. Fermin López added another before Torres sealed the comprehensive win with a second-half brace. The final goal was followed by a symbolic celebration where Torres polished Yamal's boot, highlighting the productive partnership and the blend of youth and experience driving the team forward.
A Foundation for the Future
While the day was a celebration, it also served as a reminder that the Camp Nou rebuild is not yet complete. Construction workers in high-vis jackets watched from unfinished sections, and the eventual capacity of 105,000 is still some way off. However, for the fans and the club, the return to Les Corts represented more than just a building project; it was the reclamation of a piece of their identity.
The familiar wide bowl, the same local bars, and the return of life to the neighbourhood between the maternity hospital and the cemetery provided a profound sense of comfort. The Spotify Camp Nou, as it is now commercially known, may have a new name and a modernising facade, but for one emotional afternoon, it felt unmistakably like home. This successful return lays a solid foundation for the next phase of Barcelona's history, built on the same turf where legends like Kubala, Cruyff, and Messi once mesmerised the world.
