Barca Returns to Camp Nou After 909 Days

Eternity can feel overwhelming, especially as the end nears. After 909 days at Montjuic, Barcelona has finally returned to their beloved Camp Nou. Although the renovations are not yet complete, and it will take several more months before the stadium can accommodate its full capacity of 105,000 fans, this return is a significant moment. For Joan Laporta, this represents a vital milestone, as Europe’s largest stadium is an essential element of his legacy.

A Fan’s Perspective

Even as the president of FC Barcelona, Laporta remains a fan at heart. With two and a half hours until kickoff, he is already present, smartphone in hand, capturing images of the stands and taking selfies, a habit he continues as VIP guests arrive.

He is not the only one eager to document this momentous occasion; supporters and journalists are snapping photos, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a fashion event than a typical matchday gathering. Among the many snapshots, one stands out: three generations in one frame, from a grandfather to a baby only weeks old, peacefully asleep amid the lively atmosphere.

The lower tiers of the stadium are nearly full, with fans arriving earlier than ever. Everyone is eager to experience this significant homecoming.

A Warm Welcome

As the Barca goalkeepers take the field for their warm-up, the crowd erupts in applause. As in tradition, they receive the first ovation, shortly before the rest of the squad appears.

Due to the special occasion, things are slightly delayed. The club anthem is performed by a choir, accompanied by fireworks. A moment of silence honors the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a poignant note given the club’s recent association with Jerome Boateng. The ceremonial kickoff is performed by two fans present at the original Camp Nou opening in 1957.

Visually, the updated stadium feels less expansive compared to before, creating a sense of intimacy between the players and the crowd. This feeling could stem from the months spent at Montjuic, where the Olympic track distanced fans from the action.

Nonetheless, the acoustics are exceptional, evident as chants resonate throughout the arena. This was particularly noticeable when much of the crowd called for the return of the gradation animacio, which remains closed for now (the area is currently covered with blue and garnet tarps).

A Promising Start

The occasion did not unsettle Barca. Robert Lewandowski quickly made his mark, scoring just five minutes into the match, establishing the tone for this new chapter. Athletic took time to respond but began to show some energy around the 30-minute mark, though by half-time, Lamine Yamal connected with Ferran Torres for another goal.

The duo teamed up again towards the match’s conclusion. In between their two goals, Fermin Lopez made history as the first Masia graduate to score in the fresh stadium. One milestone remains: the first Catalan scorer—a potential for the upcoming clash against Alaves.

Celebration Commences

With the match concluding at 4-0, celebrations erupted. Barca’s anthem played alongside a dazzling light display and additional fireworks. As fans departed, a popular club chant broke out, responded to by two children, creating a humorous moment, until a Boixos Nois flag was raised, expressing longstanding grievances against Laporta.

Despite a noticeable drop in temperature during the week, the excitement of the homecoming was infectious. Athletic felt the brunt of the jubilant energy.

Hansi Flick neatly summed up the atmosphere, stating, “For everyone – players, staff, supporters – it was fantastic to come back here. Plus, we got three points and won 4-0. Everything went our way.” He added, “For everyone, it’s incredible to be in this stadium.”

Returning to Camp Nou marks just the beginning for Barcelona. With their new energy, they aim to pursue greater success. The ambitions are high, but achieving them at home is always preferable to the transient experience at Montjuic, which is now a thing of the past.