Barcelona celebrated their long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou in spectacular fashion, securing a 4-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The match marked their first game at the iconic stadium since May 2023 following extensive renovation works.
Robert Lewandowski ignited the scoring just four minutes into the game, firing a low shot that deflected off goalkeeper Unai Simon for his eighth La Liga goal this season. The hosts doubled their lead before halftime when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal delivered an exquisite outside-foot pass to Ferran Torres, who slotted home effortlessly.
The second half saw Barcelona maintain their dominance. Fermín López extended the lead to 3-0 in the 48th minute with a precise strike from the penalty area. Athletic’s hopes dwindled further when midfielder Oihan Sancet received a red card after VAR upgraded his initial yellow for a reckless challenge on López.
Torres sealed the victory with his second goal in the dying moments, initially ruled offside but later validated by VAR. Yamal again played a pivotal role, showcasing his dribbling skills before setting up the finish.
The match drew 45,157 spectators, though sections of the stadium remained closed due to ongoing renovations. When completed in late 2024, the revamped Camp Nou will accommodate 105,000 fans – solidifying its status as Europe’s largest football arena.
With this win, Barcelona temporarily climbed to 31 points atop La Liga, though rivals Real Madrid could reclaim the spot with a victory in their upcoming fixture. The Catalan giants had played most of their recent home games at Montjuic’s Olympic Stadium and briefly at the Johan Cruyff Stadium during the renovation period.
This emphatic performance not only highlighted Barcelona’s attacking prowess but also signaled a triumphant homecoming for the reigning Spanish champions.
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