Barcelona celebrated a triumphant return to Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, defeating Athletic Club 4-0. This victory marked Barcelona’s first home match since renovations began in May 2023, forcing them to play at the Olympic Stadium for over two years.
Key Highlights of Barcelona’s 4-0 Victory
- Date: The match took place on a Saturday.
- Location: Spotify Camp Nou
- Attendance: Capped at 45,157 fans due to incomplete renovations.
- Goalscorers:
- Robert Lewandowski – opened the scoring
- Ferran Torres – scored twice
- Fermín López – added the fourth goal
Coach Hansi Flick praised the performance, stating, “It was a perfect day for us.” He emphasized the meaningful experience for players and fans alike, remarking on the emotional atmosphere of returning to Camp Nou. Flick noted that the team overcame challenges during the first half against Athletic Club.
Renovations and Future Prospects
The ongoing renovations at Camp Nou include the addition of a third tier and continued work on the roof. The club aims to enhance the stadium’s capacity from the current 45,157 to over 60,000 in the near future, eventually targeting a total capacity of 105,000.
This match was historic for several players. For many, including goalscorer Fermín, it was their first experience playing at Camp Nou. Flick also marked his debut as head coach at this iconic stadium.
Player Gratitude and Performance
Lewandowski expressed pride in scoring the first goal of the match, calling it a moment he would remember forever. “Today was a special day for everyone,” he noted. His early goal helped build confidence for the team.
- Robert Lewandowski: Scored his eighth league goal of the season.
- Raphinha: Made a return as a substitute after a two-month injury absence.
- Joan García: Achieved his first clean sheet since September.
Barcelona will now shift their focus to their upcoming Champions League match against Chelsea on Tuesday, with key players like Frenkie de Jong returning from suspension. Pedri is also expected to be available following a recovery from a hamstring injury.
