FC Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the reimagined Spotify Camp Nou could hardly have been scripted better. Emotions ran high, history was honoured, and Hansi Flick’s team delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over Athletic Club to baptize their new home with a performance worthy of the occasion.
And just hours after the final whistle, Lamine Yamal broke his recent Instagram silence, sharing a cropped photo of himself gripping the Barça badge with his left hand — a fire emoji and the Spotify Camp Nou location tag completing the message. No caption, no words, but unmistakable intent.
For the 18-year-old, who had limited his social-media activity following Barça’s El Clásico defeat, the post felt symbolic: a declaration of presence, pride, and fire at a moment when the club seems to be igniting anew.
A Night Defined by Firsts
The club had long prepared for this day — the reopening of a stadium reborn — and the match was drenched in symbolism.
The 45,157 fans who attended were the first to experience the new Spotify Camp Nou. Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczęsny, and Diego Kochen received the first ovations during warm-ups. The first anthem at the renovated ground was sung by the Orfeó Català. Two socios present for the stadium’s original 1957 inauguration were honoured with the first ceremonial kick-off, followed by the first minute of silence marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Then came football.
Flick’s first starting XI in the new stadium featured Joan Garcia behind a defense of Koundé, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Balde, with Eric García, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo controlling midfield. Up front: Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and captain Robert Lewandowski — the man destined to score the ground’s first official goal.
Inside five minutes, Lewandowski pounced on an Athletic error to fire low into the corner. More “firsts” followed: the first offside, the first save, the first yellow. But one moment stood out — the first assist at the new stadium, delivered in classic Lamine Yamal fashion. With the outside of his foot, he curved a pass into the path of Ferran Torres to make it 2–0 just before halftime.
Early in the second half, Fermín López struck Barça’s third, celebrating his 100th appearance with his first goal at the new stadium. Soon after, Sancet’s reckless challenge earned the first red card in the revamped venue.
By the 90th minute, Torres completed the first brace at Spotify Camp Nou, sealing a 4–0 celebration that was as symbolic as it was emphatic.
Hansi Flick: “It’s been a perfect day”
After the match, Hansi Flick did not hide his emotion. In the temporary press area of the Auditori 1899 — the media zone still under construction — the German coach reflected on the magnitude of the night. Here is his full comment:
“For everyone it was a very special match, for us as a team and for the supporters. The feeling was incredible. I’m very happy: we’ve won 4–0 on the day we opened our new stadium with all our fans behind us, and we’ve taken three points. It’s been a perfect day.”
“We were very well prepared and we showed that. It wasn’t easy, especially in the first half, but in the end everything went well. I think we controlled the game, scored at the right moments, and fully deserved the win … Also not conceding is very important because it gives us confidence.”
“This return is a first step. I’m very happy to be home, but we need to go step by step. We’re really excited to see how the team evolves this season now that we’re back.”
On a personal note Flick said:
“Years ago I came to the old Spotify Camp Nou and thought that one day I would like to be Barca’s coach. Today I’m here, and it’s a dream come true. The feeling is incredible.”
Also read: Lamine Yamal’s Setback and Franco Mastantuono’s Surge in Spanish Football
Returns That Felt Like Victories
Raphinha and Joan Garcia, both returning from injury after 58 days out, were welcomed with roaring ovations. Garcia’s sharp reflexes ensured a clean sheet on his Camp Nou debut, while Raphinha nearly added a goal of his own moments after entering the pitch.
Lamine Yamal’s Silent Message
And then there was Lamine. Hours after electrifying the pitch with his trademark creativity, the teenager finally broke weeks of social-media silence. His post was simple: a tightly cropped image of him clutching the Barca crest with his left hand, a fire emoji, and the Spotify Camp Nou location.
No explanations. None needed.
In a night filled with firsts, the symbolism was clear:
Barca are home again.
The stadium is alive again.
And Lamine Yamal — the quiet, explosive, unpredictable heartbeat of Barca’s new era — is burning again.