Credits: IMAGO / Pressinphoto

Barcelona Thrash Athletic Club 4-0 on First Return to New Camp Nou

Credits: IMAGO / Pressinphoto

Barcelona marked their long-awaited homecoming with a commanding 4-0 win against Athletic Club. They delivered a performance that matched the emotional weight of the occasion. Barca team and fans spent over two seasons away from their historic ground due to major reconstruction work.

The team returned with purpose with intensity and an eagerness to reclaim their identity in front of their own supporters. Albeit large portions of the stadium was still closed and a reduced capacity was in place. Still, the atmosphere felt both intimate and electrifying.

We came back.
We lived it.
And we won. pic.twitter.com/Qixkm56dZe
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 22, 2025

Robert Lewandowski Sparks the Celebration

The club’s temporary exile at Montjuic and occasional stints at the Johan Cruyff Stadium made this return all the more symbolic. And the players responded as if determined to make up for lost time. Barcelona wasted no time reintroducing themselves to their refurbished arena.

Robert Lewandowski pounced on a loose ball in the fourth minute. He drilled a low strike that found its way past Unai Simon. The early breakthrough settled nerves. And it set the tone for a night that was dominated by sharp movement, fluid combination play and relentless pressure.

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Athletic struggled to settle, especially under Barca’s quick transitions. Moments before the interval, the hosts doubled their advantage when Ferran Torres took advantage of clever build-up play to beat Simon again. The goalkeeper was unable to keep out the effort despite getting a hand on the ball.

Second-Half Control from Barcelona With Late Flourish

Barcelona returned from the break with renewed energy. They added a third through Fermin Lopez, who finished a slick exchange on the edge of the area just minutes after the restart. Athletic’s hopes of mounting a response diminished rapidly. Especially after Oihan Sancet saw his yellow card upgraded to a red.

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The decision came after a VAR review for a high challenge on Lopez. The numerical advantage allowed the home side to dictate the remainder of the match with ease. Late on, Ferran Torres completed his brace after a vibrant run and pass from Lamine Yamal, whose footwork once again lit up the right flank.

The goal was initially disallowed for offside but reinstated after another VAR check. Barca’s win sends them temporarily to the top of La Liga on goal difference. Barca’s return to Camp Nou is still in its transitional phase. But the team and fans are eager to rebuilt their home into a fortress once again.

Athletic Club

Barcelona

Barcelona vs Athletic Club

Camp Nou

La Liga

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.