Hansi Flick celebrated Barcelona‘s “good day” because the Spanish champions made their long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou with a thumping 4-0 victory towards Athletic Membership on Saturday.
Robert Lewandowksi scored the primary purpose on the refurbished stadium, which remains to be solely half completed, with Ferran Torres netting twice and Fermín López additionally heading in the right direction as Barça provisionally moved forward of Actual Madrid, who play Elche on Sunday, on the high of LaLiga on purpose distinction.
The victory marked Barça’s first match at Camp Nou because it closed to be renovated in Might 2023 following over two years taking part in matches on the Olympic Stadium within the metropolis.
“For everybody, gamers, employees, coaches, it was a particular recreation, additionally for the followers to be again right here on this stadium was an unbelievable feeling,” Flick stated in a information convention after the sport.
“And we received three factors, 4-0, it was not straightforward, particularly the primary half towards Athletic. However, on the finish, all the pieces goes in the correct manner. I’m proud of the clear sheet, 4 objectives and three factors — it was the proper day for us.”
The third tier and the roof nonetheless have to be added earlier than Camp Nou is totally completed, with 45,157 the capped attendance for the win over Athletic.
The membership hope they are going to obtain permission to extend the quantity of followers allowed in to over 60,000 within the new 12 months, with the capability ultimately rising to 105,000, the best in Europe.
For a lot of Barça gamers, akin to goalscorer Fermín, goalkeeper Joan García and defender Pau Cubarsí, this was the primary time they’ve ever performed at Camp Nou, whereas it was additionally the primary time Flick has coached the Blaugrana on the stadium.
“It was a terrific feeling once you exit the steps and attain the pitch and see all of the followers,” the German coach added.
– Switch rumors, information: Barcelona eye Kane, Álvarez as Lewa alternative
– Fixing what’s mistaken with Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, extra
– Barcelona’s fourth equipment pays tribute to legendary Clásico win
“I used to be right here a few years in the past after I was simply fired from a 3rd division crew and I stated ‘OK, at some point I wish to sit on the bench right here,’ and it is like a dream come true. It is an unbelievable story for me.
“It reveals once you work exhausting, consider in what you are able to do, all the pieces is feasible. That is additionally what I stated to the crew [before the game]. We’ve unbelievable followers, a unbelievable membership right here and now we’re again residence, so it is an unbelievable feeling.”
Lewandowski’s eighth league purpose of the season opened the scoring and the Poland striker stated it was a second that may stay with him perpetually.
“Immediately was a big day, not just for me however for everybody,” he informed reporters. “Due to this I am very glad that I might rating the primary purpose, coming again to Camp Nou.
“I’ve a lot expertise taking part in in numerous stadiums, however right here is one thing particular. I am very pleased with myself and likewise of the crew as a result of we did a terrific job right now and we received.
“I feel this primary purpose for me is one thing that I will bear in mind perpetually.”
Barça have carried out fairly nicely on the Olympic Stadium, successful the league whereas lodging there final season, however its location within the metropolis and the operating observe across the pitch negatively impacts the attendances and the environment.
“I already felt two, three days in the past after I got here again from the nationwide crew to the membership, I felt particular feelings, that [something is] going to occur, one thing particular,” Lewandowski added.
“Everyone knows this recreation goes to be one thing that we will bear in mind long-term. Due to this we did a terrific job, I am very glad due to the crew, what we did on the pitch.”
Flick additionally reserved reward for Lewandowski, whose contract with Barça expires subsequent summer time shortly earlier than he turns 38.
“He is a participant that when he has an opportunity it is usually practically 100% that he scores,” Flick stated. “It was essential right now that we scored very early, as a result of it provides the boldness we want.
“For me, I feel within the final 10 years, perhaps he’s the most effective No.9. It would not should do with the age, he is match and he has there starvation to attain objectives.”
In additional excellent news, Raphinha additionally returned from a two-month harm layoff as a second half substitute, whereas García’s clear sheet, on his first look in two months as nicely, was Barça’s first since September.
Barça now flip their consideration to the Champions League on Tuesday once they journey to Chelsea. Frenkie de Jong will return from suspension for that recreation, whereas Pedri can also be pushing to be obtainable once more after a hamstring harm.
