Cranes nonetheless tower over two of Barcelona’s most iconic buildings – however on the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday there was a celebratory reopening because the Blaugrana made their long-awaited return residence.
It has been over 900 days since Barcelona final performed at their historic stadium. The wait does not fairly evaluate with the 143-year constructing venture throughout city on the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia but it surely was an emotional second for the membership’s connections, nonetheless. They’ve craved today.
From the pre-match and half-time music exhibits to the firework show after the ultimate whistle, Barcelona have been decided to revel within the second. ‘Tornem a Casa’ learn the banner specified by the centre circle. ‘Let’s go residence’.
Athletic Membership have been handy visitors. They have not gained right here since 2001 and by no means appeared like ending that run this weekend. Targets at the beginning of every half, a crimson card and two luxurious assists from Lamine Yamal allowed Barcelona’s supporters to benefit from the event with out concern of an upset.
Barcelona moved high of LaLiga with the 4-0 win, forward of rivals Actual Madrid on aim distinction. Hansi Flick might be conscious his aspect, admittedly lacking a number of key gamers, nonetheless have work to do to rise up to the extent they might want to declare main honours once more this season.
There’s nonetheless a lot to do on their stadium, too. Over £1bn has been invested to modernise Barcelona’s residence floor however the work is much from completed. The membership have been desirous to get again however it’ll nonetheless be months earlier than this much-delayed venture is completed.
Simply over 45,000 have been within the stands for this comeback sport. The capability will finally attain 105,000, as soon as the well-known high tier is stuffed in. However this was nonetheless a robust homecoming to expertise.
The Spotify Camp Nou nonetheless has constructing work to be accomplished
Barcelona’s final aggressive sport right here got here in Might 2023. They have been due again in November 2024, the membership’s one hundred and twenty fifth anniversary season, however constructing delays and quite a few points dragged out the method of reworking the historic venue. These setbacks have proved extraordinarily expensive for a membership which has needed to work arduous and creatively to handle its funds in the course of the course of.
However by the beginning of subsequent season, when this stadium is totally full – across the identical time Gaudi’s magnificent church is because of be lastly completed, too – Barcelona may have a contemporary venue which can rival the perfect on the planet.
Robert Lewandowski celebrates together with his team-mate Fermin Lopez
Barca had been enjoying away, on the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic. The 55,000-seater venue up on the hill had proved to be an appropriate short-term lodging, internet hosting a staff which gained a home treble final season.
Nevertheless it was by no means theirs. That was underlined in September after they have been compelled to play within the 6,000 capability Johan Cruyff Stadium as a result of the council had booked a Put up Malone live performance for the Olympic Stadium. Ironic, given the brand new sponsors of their conventional residence.
A coaching session in entrance of 20,000 followers earlier this month was step one again onto the well-known turf, whereas the subsequent part – this LaLiga sport – was preceded by Lionel Messi’s covert return to take a look at developments at his former playground.
The Instagram submit of the Barca legend discretely touring the Spotify Camp Nou is the most-liked sports-related submit on the platform this 12 months. Thirty-two million and counting. Much more than Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot with USA President Donald Trump, which holds significance round right here. Ten minutes into Saturday’s sport, Messi’s title was chanted.
This Espai Barca venture is being pushed by membership president Joan Laporta, who has hailed the revamped stadium as “an architectural jewel that will be the best in the world”. He additionally says: “It retains the magic of its greatest moments but with a new soul. It’s like going back to the future.”
It is poetic language however does resonate whereas sat within the stands for the comeback beating of Athletic Membership.
There’s a familiarity to the stage, the scene of Messi’s many masterful shows and the legends who delighted the Culers – Barca’s trustworthy followers – earlier than him.
Now it’s Yamal sporting No 10 and whose each contact is cheered, whose each dribble or ahead cross has the house followers excitedly rising from their seats.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal starred towards Athletic Membership, whereas Oihan Sancet was later despatched off
It was becoming he ought to star on this milestone match. Yamal was simply 15 on his final look at this stadium. He is nonetheless an adolescent however now a adorned famous person, primed to shine on this stage for the subsequent decade and a half.
Among the many Barcelona staff to play within the earlier aggressive sport at this floor have been Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Outstanding figures in these trophy-laden years of Messi and Pep Guardiola, when Barcelona appeared to achieve a pinnacle, of fashion in addition to outcomes.
They’re gone now. Over at Inter Miami with Messi. A brand new period has arrived.
‘Mes que un membership’ is Barcelona’s well-known motto. Greater than a membership. The Spotify Camp Nou is greater than any common stadium. Wealthy in historical past and within the technique of being supercharged for the trendy world.
