News | FC Barcelona 4 - 0 Athletic Club
sport.es
22/11/2025
The leader sweeps past Athletic in a triumphant return to their new home
Barça delivered an unforgettable evening in their return to the revamped Spotify Camp Nou. The Blaugrana side, who will go to sleep at the top of the table, earned a convincing 4–0 victory over an Athletic team they were eager to defeat on such a symbolic day for the club.
The night turned out perfect in the reunion with the culé home. It was the script many wished for the reopening of the stadium, although few dared to say it out loud out of caution. Athletic tried to take advantage of the excitement in the atmosphere, but ended up suffering an undeniable punishment.
More than two hours before kickoff, the entrances to the new venue were already overwhelmed. The anticipation could be felt everywhere: the nearby bars were overflowing with activity, and the legendary Arístides Mayol churro stand was working at full speed, with nine employees serving pastries nonstop.
An atmosphere worthy of a historic occasion. After 909 days without stepping foot in the Camp Nou, thousands of fans rushed in around 14:15 to take their seats and admire the new coliseum. Although the construction is not yet complete, the view of the interior, its structure, and the pitch generated obvious emotion. All this despite the high prices for members.
The German coach surprised with his lineup: Gerard Martín as the left-footed center-back and Eric García forming part of the double pivot. Marc Casadó on the bench.
Pushed on by the fans, Barça came out unleashed. Lewandowski had a very clear chance that he squandered, but immediately made up for it. In the 4th minute, the Pole latched onto a ball inside the box and beat Unai Simón at the near post. The international goalkeeper could have done more, but the stands were already celebrating the first goal of the stadium´s return. That’s four goals in his last two matches for the No. 9. Thirty-seven woodwork hits in his career.
As the minutes passed, the Barça side lost some sharpness and Athletic improved. Unai Gómez had two good chances and, in the 40th minute, Nico hit the side netting from a Yuri cross.
The second half couldn´t have started better. In the 48th minute, Fermín scored the 3–0 after a magnificent one-two with Eric. And two minutes later came another twist: Sancet was shown a straight red after a dangerous challenge from behind on Fermín, an action reviewed by VAR.
The crowd roared even louder when Valverde immediately decided to sub off Nico Williams, who left to a thunderous chorus of boos.
Another big moment arrived in the 80th minute: the return of Raphinha. The ovation was huge, and the Brazilian nearly scored in his first involvement. His electricity had been missed.
The perfect ending came from Ferran, who sealed his brace after another assist from Lamine, who had two. 4–0 and the fans heading home with huge smiles.
More than two hours before kickoff, the entrances to the new venue were already overwhelmed. The anticipation could be felt everywhere: the nearby bars were overflowing with activity, and the legendary Arístides Mayol churro stand was working at full speed, with nine employees serving pastries nonstop.
An atmosphere worthy of a historic occasion. After 909 days without stepping foot in the Camp Nou, thousands of fans rushed in around 14:15 to take their seats and admire the new coliseum. Although the construction is not yet complete, the view of the interior, its structure, and the pitch generated obvious emotion. All this despite the high prices for members.
Celebration inside the stadium while Flick and his men stayed focused
The pre-match ceremony lived up to expectations: “Figa flawas”, the Orfeó Català performing the anthem, veteran members taking the honorary kickoff, fireworks… Meanwhile, Flick remained exclusively focused on ensuring his players didn’t relax amid the festive atmosphere.The German coach surprised with his lineup: Gerard Martín as the left-footed center-back and Eric García forming part of the double pivot. Marc Casadó on the bench.
Pushed on by the fans, Barça came out unleashed. Lewandowski had a very clear chance that he squandered, but immediately made up for it. In the 4th minute, the Pole latched onto a ball inside the box and beat Unai Simón at the near post. The international goalkeeper could have done more, but the stands were already celebrating the first goal of the stadium´s return. That’s four goals in his last two matches for the No. 9. Thirty-seven woodwork hits in his career.
A stunned Athletic
Barça dominated and sensed weakness in their opponent. The left flank was a highway thanks to Balde’s bursting runs, boosted by Ferran’s diagonal movements inside. Unai denied Fermín the 2–0, and Dani Olmo failed on the rebound. By the way, Eric once again looked comfortable in a double pivot he had never played in before.As the minutes passed, the Barça side lost some sharpness and Athletic improved. Unai Gómez had two good chances and, in the 40th minute, Nico hit the side netting from a Yuri cross.
From the relief of halftime to Lamine’s masterpiece
Barça was desperately calling for the break, but the stadium became magical again in the 45+1’. A loss by Yuri ended with a brilliant trivela from Lamine that left Ferran alone to finish past an again unconvincing Unai. The 2–0 caused evident frustration from Valverde on the touchline.A frantic start to the second half
The restart began in confusion: referees and Athletic players on the pitch, but no sign of Barça except for Araujo ready to come on. A visibly annoyed Sánchez Martínez checked his watch while waiting. The team eventually appeared, though without Balde, who was replaced after suffering dizziness.The second half couldn´t have started better. In the 48th minute, Fermín scored the 3–0 after a magnificent one-two with Eric. And two minutes later came another twist: Sancet was shown a straight red after a dangerous challenge from behind on Fermín, an action reviewed by VAR.
The crowd roared even louder when Valverde immediately decided to sub off Nico Williams, who left to a thunderous chorus of boos.
The return of Camp Nou… and of Raphinha
Fermín delivered an outstanding performance. After the 3–0, Barça managed the match calmly. Flick gave minutes to Dro and Marc Bernal, while Athletic remained dazed. The Blaugrana looked for the fourth without rushing.Another big moment arrived in the 80th minute: the return of Raphinha. The ovation was huge, and the Brazilian nearly scored in his first involvement. His electricity had been missed.
The perfect ending came from Ferran, who sealed his brace after another assist from Lamine, who had two. 4–0 and the fans heading home with huge smiles.
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