Barcelona are finally heading back to the Spotify Camp Nou, and the build-up to their clash against Athletic Bilbao has been filled with excitement, nostalgia, and a hint of disbelief.
After more than two years away from their historic home due to the first phase of the stadium’s renovation project, the team will once again walk out onto the famous pitch, this time in an official La Liga match.
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For several players in the current squad, this moment represents more than just a return. Rather, it is the fulfilment of a dream.
As such, as many as nine first-team members have never played an official game at the Camp Nou and are expected to feel the occasion with even greater intensity.
Who are those players?
The list includes Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joan Garcia, Marc Bernal, Roony Bardghji, and Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, all set for their first competitive steps inside the rebuilt stadium.
The fixture also marks another milestone as Hansi Flick’s first match at the Camp Nou as Barcelona manager.
It is going to be a new experience for several Barcelona players. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Although the German has already overseen games this season, taking charge of one at the club’s true home carries a symbolic weight that cannot be ignored.
Barcelona last played a league game at the stadium on 28 May 2023, in a match against Mallorca. Since that day, fans and players have been waiting for the moment they could return.
As such, for players such as Marcus Rashford and Wojciech Szczesny, the experience will feel familiar in a different way.
Both have played at the Camp Nou before, but always as visitors, never wearing the Barcelona shirt.
Among all the debutants, the most curious case is that of Casado. Despite making his first-team debut while Barcelona were still based at the stadium, he never actually featured there as a home player.
His only involvement on Camp Nou soil came from the touchline, warming up without stepping onto the pitch in an official game.
