Barcelona: Barcelona’s long-awaited return to a rebuilt Camp Nou brings excitement across Catalonia — but coach Hansi Flick insists celebrations must be matched with results as the champions look to revive their La Liga title defence on Saturday.
Barça host Athletic Bilbao trailing Real Madrid by three points, following an inconsistent start to the campaign that contrasts sharply with their treble-winning form last season.
With the stop-start opening phase — affected by three international breaks — now behind them, Flick finally has the chance to stabilise performances and address glaring issues.
Defensive fragility and stuttering attack raise concerns
Barcelona have conceded 15 goals, more than nine of the 10 teams below them in the table, while their attack has struggled to replicate the intensity and fluency seen in Flick’s first year.
The team’s defensive instability has drawn heavy criticism, but Flick remains focused on restoring balance and discipline:
“The second half in Vigo gives us confidence for the next matches, and this is what we need,” he said, referring to Barcelona’s 4–2 win over Celta Vigo last weekend.
Their victory in Galicia featured a chaotic first half but a far more controlled second — a blueprint Flick hopes to build on, especially as he pushes for a perfected high-line structure.
Camp Nou returns after 2.5-year absence
Barcelona last played at Camp Nou in May 2023, before construction forced a long exile at the Olympic Stadium. The club originally hoped to reopen the venue in November 2024, but delays pushed the date back significantly.
Now, with the stadium ready at last, Flick believes the emotional lift will be invaluable:
“Playing there will definitely help us. For the club’s future it’s very important. I congratulate everyone who worked on it.”
Lewandowski boost, but midfield crisis looms
Striker Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick against Celta Vigo and is now back to full fitness after a slow start due to injury. His return strengthens Barcelona’s attack, with Flick noting the Polish forward’s finishing ability and connection play — qualities stand-in forward Ferran Torres struggled to replicate.
However, Barcelona face selection issues:
Frenkie de Jong (suspended)
Pedri (injured)
This leaves Marc Casado and Dani Olmo as likely replacements in the midfield engine room.
Teen star Lamine Yamal remains a doubt due to a groin problem that kept him out of Spain’s recent World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Raphinha is close to returning, with Flick eager to recover the Brazilian’s much-missed intensity on the flank.
New chapter in Camp Nou’s history
Whoever Flick fields against Athletic will have the honour of being part of Camp Nou’s new era, 68 years after the original stadium opened in 1957.
Barcelona now hope the historic homecoming can spark a turning point in their season — and reignite their quest to defend the La Liga crown.