BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona marked their long-awaited return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou with a commanding 4-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, a result that lifted the Catalan side to the top of the La Liga table for at least 24 hours. Playing in front of 45,000 fans, Barça were not at their sharpest throughout the match but were decisive at key moments, punishing Athletic’s missed chances and taking full advantage after the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the second half.
Barcelona struck first when high pressing from Gerard Martín and Eric Garcia forced a turnover that led to Robert Lewandowski scoring the first goal at the new Camp Nou. Athletic responded well and pressed aggressively, exposing Barcelona’s difficulties playing out from the back without injured midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. Garcia, operating as a makeshift defensive midfielder, endured early discomfort in the role, and Dani Olmo struggled to ease the pressure during the opening phase.
Athletic created two major chances to level the match. Unai Gómez, deployed unexpectedly as a false nine by Ernesto Valverde, failed to convert a clear opportunity in front of the goal. Moments later, Nico Williams was jeered by the home crowd but nearly silenced them before missing Athletic’s best chance of the night.
Barcelona doubled their lead before halftime through a brilliantly crafted moment from Lamine Yamal, whose trivela assist found Ferran Torres. Unai Simón appeared positioned to make the stop but could not prevent the shot, giving Barça an advantage they had not entirely earned through overall play.
The hosts quickly extended their lead after the break as Fermín López finished off another sequence created through high pressing, this time again initiated by Garcia. Soon after, Athletic’s challenge unraveled when Oihan Sancet was sent off following a VAR review for a reckless kick on López. The referee had initially shown a yellow card, but the video review revealed no attempt to play the ball, resulting in what became one of the clearest red cards of the season.
With Athletic down to 10, Barcelona controlled the final half-hour. Yamal produced a stream of chances, several of which teammates failed to convert, but the teenager remained the most dynamic player on the pitch and was central to nearly every attacking movement. His dazzling solo run and assist created Barça’s fourth goal, allowing Torres to score his second of the night while Yamal delivered one of the first signature highlights of the new Camp Nou.
Manager Xavi Hernández used the opportunity to introduce young winger Dro Fernández, who played more than 30 minutes in a pressure-free environment. Garcia, who overcame his shaky start to excel in the pivot role, earned a standing ovation when he was replaced by Marc Bernal with 15 minutes left. The crowd also welcomed back Raphinha, who returned from injury and immediately tested Simón with a shot that curled just wide.
Barcelona’s convincing win marked a triumphant homecoming, showcasing their blend of youth and experience while reasserting their position near the top of La Liga. The performance was far from flawless, but it was decisive and delivered in front of a home crowd eager to celebrate their return to a stadium rebuilt for a new era.
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