Barcelona will finally walk out at a revamped Camp Nou on Saturday, but coach Hansi Flick insists the real celebration will come only if their long-awaited return sparks a turnaround in their faltering LaLiga title defence.
The champions, currently three points behind Real Madrid, have struggled to replicate last season’s treble-winning intensity. An inconsistent start—disrupted by three international breaks—has exposed issues at both ends of the pitch, with Flick’s side conceding 15 goals, more than nine of the 10 teams below them.
Now, as Barcelona prepare to host Athletic Bilbao, Flick sees the reopening of Camp Nou as a moment that could shift the momentum of their season.
Barcelona last played at their iconic home in May 2023, spending more than two years at the Olympic Stadium due to extensive renovations. The project, originally slated to finish in November 2024, faced delays caused by construction setbacks.
Flick said the team’s return could provide a significant lift:
“Playing there will definitely help us… It’s very important for the club’s future. I congratulate everyone who worked on it.”
Barça’s most recent match—a 4-2 win at Celta Vigo—offered encouraging signs. A chaotic first half was followed by a composed, controlled second period, which Flick believes represents the path they need to follow.
Barcelona’s defensive woes remain a major concern. The team has not kept a clean sheet in nine matches across all competitions since goalkeeper Joan Garcia suffered an injury. Garcia is expected to return against Athletic, giving Flick renewed optimism of restoring defensive order.
Flick brushed aside criticism of his high-line tactical approach, saying he preferred not to escalate public debates with former players or pundits.
Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick against Celta Vigo was a welcome development after an injury-affected start to the season. His finishing quality and link-up play remain irreplaceable, particularly compared to stand-in forward Ferran Torres.
Flick may, however, face selection challenges on the wings. Lamine Yamal remains doubtful due to a groin issue that forced him out of Spain duty, while Raphinha is close to returning and could provide the work-rate and intensity Barcelona have lacked recently.
On the opposite flank, Marcus Rashford has made a strong impression on loan, but Flick sees Raphinha’s availability as essential for balance.
Barcelona will be without their first-choice midfield pairing. Frenkie de Jong is suspended, while Pedri is still recovering from injury. As a result, Marc Casado and Dani Olmo are expected to step into central roles.
Whoever lines up on Saturday will help open a new chapter in Camp Nou’s history—68 years after the previous stadium debuted in 1957.
Atletico’s marquee summer signing is working his way back after early-season injuries. His creativity could be a decisive factor against a typically resilient Getafe defence on Sunday.
Friday: Valencia v Levante (10pm)
Saturday: Alaves v Celta Vigo (3pm), Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao (5:15pm), Osasuna v Real Sociedad (7:30pm), Villarreal v Mallorca (10pm)
Sunday: Real Oviedo v Rayo Vallecano (3pm), Real Betis v Girona (5:15pm), Getafe v Atletico Madrid (7:30pm), Elche v Real Madrid (10pm)
Monday: Espanyol v Sevilla (10pm)
