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Barcelona Returns to Partially Reopened Camp Nou With 4–0 Win Over Athletic

UEFA approved a December Champions League home game at the still-unfinished ground.

Overview

  • Robert Lewandowski scored the first official goal in the renovated stadium, Ferran Torres added a brace and Fermín López netted as Oihan Sancet was sent off after a VAR review.
  • About 45,000 fans attended the partial reopening after more than 900 days away, with upper tiers still skeletal and cranes visible as the €1.45 billion overhaul continues.
  • The club marked the occasion with the Cant del Barça performed by the Cor Jove de l'Orfeó Català, fireworks and an honorary kickoff by two of its longest-tenured members.
  • UEFA authorization allows Barcelona to host Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on December 9, and capacity is expected to rise to roughly 62,000 in January before a full completion target of about 105,000 seats.
  • Supporters chanted for Lionel Messi in the 10th minute and president Joan Laporta took a prominent public role during the pre-match festivities.