FC Barcelona has made a triumphant and emotional return to its spiritual home, the Camp Nou, after a 909-day absence during major redevelopment works. A crowd of 45,157 fans witnessed a 4-0 victory over Athletic Club, a fitting result for a historic day charged with nostalgia and the promise of a new era.
A Historic Homecoming
The atmosphere was one of pure relief and comfort as Barcelona players stepped onto the time-honoured turf. The stadium, still under construction with only three sides of the lower two tiers open, felt familiar despite the ongoing work. The match was Barcelona's first at the Camp Nou since May 2023, after a two-year stint at the Olympic stadium in Montjuic.
The ceremonial kick-off was a poignant moment, taken by the club's oldest member, Juan Canela Salamero, who was wheeled to the touchline. He remarkably brought with him the ticket from the stadium's original inauguration in September 1957.
New Era, Familiar Dominance
On the pitch, it was business as usual for Barcelona. The game was effectively sealed with four brilliant goals. Robert Lewandowski had the honour of scoring the first goal at the renovated ground, a moment celebrated wildly by his teammates.
Young prodigy Lamine Yamal was the star of the show, delivering two extraordinary assists. The 18-year-old, who had previously played just seven minutes at the Camp Nou aged 15, set up Ferran Torres for a brace. Fermin López also got on the scoresheet in a commanding team performance.
Symbolism and Future Ambitions
For coach Hansi Flick, the day held profound meaning. He recalled visiting the stadium after being sacked by a third-division team, looking at the home bench and dreaming of one day sitting there. "It's a really good feeling to be back here," Flick said, describing the occasion as "historic."
The return symbolises both a new beginning and a continuation of the club's rich history. While the stadium will eventually hold 105,000 fans, the current capacity is limited to 45,401. For the fans and the community of Les Cortes, the return meant the restoration of a beloved ritual, with the same bars and familiar faces bringing life back to the area between the maternity hospital and the cemetery.
As the final whistle blew, fireworks lit up the sky, celebrating not just a victory, but a long-awaited homecoming. The Camp Nou, even in its partially renovated state, is once again the beating heart of FC Barcelona.
