Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou turned into a spectacular night that will be remembered for years. After 909 days away from their historic home due to renovations, the Catalan giants finally stepped back onto the pitch surrounded by a sea of excited supporters. The energy inside the stadium was electric, with fans waving flags, chanting, and celebrating the return to the spiritual heart of the club.
The team responded to this emotional atmosphere with an almost perfect performance. From the first whistle, Barcelona controlled possession, pressed intensely, and showcased a level of confidence that reflected their excitement at being back home. Athletic Bilbao tried to absorb the early pressure, but the Catalan side quickly found their rhythm.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with a trademark finish, displaying composure and precision. His goal immediately lifted the crowd, setting the tone for what would become a dominant night for Barcelona. The Polish striker’s leadership on the pitch remained a driving force, helping to stabilize the attack and guide younger players.
Ferran Torres delivered one of his best performances in recent months, scoring two well-taken goals. His movement off the ball, determination in duels, and quick finishing showed why Hansi Flick continues to trust him. Torres’ brace brought Camp Nou to life, solidifying his role as a key attacking figure in the current squad.
Youngster Fermín López added the fourth goal, showcasing his growing confidence in midfield. His energy, timing, and willingness to take risks have made him one of the most exciting emerging talents in Barcelona’s lineup. His goal was met with loud applause, as fans recognized the importance of homegrown youth thriving on such a historic night.
The victory pushed Barcelona to 31 points, temporarily taking them to the top of the La Liga standings ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference. The win not only boosted morale but also sent a clear message to rivals that Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou has brought renewed ambition. However, the team must still wait for Real Madrid’s match against Elche to see if they remain at the summit.
Despite the overwhelming positivity, one name stood out for the wrong reasons. Dani Olmo delivered a disappointing performance that left both fans and staff concerned. The Spanish midfielder struggled to connect passes, create chances, or influence the rhythm of the game. In a match full of creativity and attacking brilliance, Olmo appeared completely out of sync.
Hansi Flick did not hide his frustration with the player. Reports suggest the German coach has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Olmo’s lack of progress since joining the club two summers ago. Although his talent is undeniable, his inconsistency has become a major obstacle. Flick believes Olmo has not reached the level expected and continues to fall short in big games.
This latest underwhelming display has prompted Flick to consider removing Olmo from the starting lineup in upcoming fixtures. The Champions League match against Chelsea is reportedly the first game where he will be benched. The staff believe that giving more minutes to players like Fermín López and Gavi, once fully fit, could bring better balance to the midfield.
Despite these concerns, Barcelona’s overall trajectory remains strong. The return to Camp Nou has brought a renewed sense of unity between the fans and the team. The players appear motivated, focused, and eager to build momentum as the season progresses. With Flick’s tactical discipline and the team’s growing confidence, Barcelona look ready to challenge on multiple fronts.
As the club prepares for upcoming challenges, both in La Liga and Europe, the return to Camp Nou will continue to serve as a symbol of hope and determination. It was a night of triumph, celebration, and reflection. While some issues remain, the 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao has shown that Barcelona are once again moving in the right direction, fueled by passion, pride, and the magic of their historic home