La Liga Round-Up: Barcelona Thrash Athletic On Camp Nou Reopening As Real Madrid Drop Points At Elche

‎Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou could hardly have been scripted any better.

‎After more than two years away from their iconic home during its massive redevelopment, the Catalan giants marked the occasion with a commanding 4–0 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao an evening filled with celebration, nostalgia, and a football performance worthy of the stage.

‎A Historic Homecoming

‎Roughly 45,000 supporters poured into the refurbished Camp Nou, now operating at half capacity as the final touches of the reconstruction continue.

‎Wrapped in blue-and-burgundy smoke and buoyed by the club hymn echoing around Europe’s largest stadium, fans created an atmosphere that felt less like a match day and more like a spiritual return.

‎For thousands, this was the first time they had set foot inside Camp Nou since May 2023. Between then and now, Barcelona had been exiled to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc a venue functional but lacking the soul of their true home.

‎“It wasn’t easy, the atmosphere wasn’t the same,” said lifelong fan Carlos Narváez. “This is like coming home. You can see how excited everyone is.”

‎The emotion in the stands carried onto the pitch.

‎Lewandowski Leads the Charge

‎The match took only four minutes to produce its first eruption of joy. Robert Lewandowski, energized by the occasion, opened the scoring with a clinical finish that immediately set the tone. It wasn’t just a goal; it was a welcome-back gift to the fans.

‎Barcelona’s attacking fluidity looked revitalized, fitting for their return to the grand stage. Ferran Torres struck twice, both goals made possible by moments of brilliance from Lamine Yamal, whose vision and weight of pass carved open Athletic’s defensive structure with ease.

‎Fermín López capped off the scoring, marking his first appearance at Camp Nou with a goal he will remember for the rest of his career. Athletic’s Oihan Sancet was later dismissed for a reckless challenge on López, ending any faint hopes of a comeback.

‎Lewandowski summed up the sentiment of the evening, “The important thing today is being back at Camp Nou. It is something else to play here… we are a little bit stronger.”

‎Around La Liga: Villarreal, Real Sociedad, and Celta Vigo Shine

‎Villarreal Keep the Pressure On

‎Tani Oluwaseyi emerged as Villarreal’s hero with an 83rd-minute winner against Mallorca, ensuring they remain just two points off the leaders. The Canadian forward displayed sharp instincts to secure the 2–1 victory that keeps their impressive season on track.

‎Barrenetxea Scores From Another Planet

‎Real Sociedad produced one of the goals of the season as Ander Barrenetxea lobbed Sergio Herrera from inside the center circle.

‎His audacious strike put the finishing touch on Sociedad’s 3–1 comeback win over Osasuna also their first away victory of the season.

‎Celta Vigo Grinds Out a Needed Win

‎A coolly taken second-half penalty by Iago Aspas was enough to give Celta Vigo a narrow 1–0 victory at Alavés, providing a crucial three points in their battle for stability.

‎Real Madrid Held Again as Slump Continues

‎Real Madrid’s form remains a growing concern after they were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw at Elche. Though they reclaimed top spot, Carlo Ancelotti’s side has now gone three matches without a win.

‎Elche struck twice through Aleix Febas and Álvaro Rodríguez, both goals full of quality and composure. Real Madrid needed a late rescue act first from Dean Huijsen in the 81st minute and then from Jude Bellingham, who buried Kylian Mbappé’s cutback in the 87th minute to salvage a point.

‎It was an entertaining second half, but it will do little to ease the pressure mounting on Madrid as the title race heats up.

‎Atlético Madrid Continue Steady Climb

‎Atlético Madrid extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a tight 1–0 victory over Getafe, courtesy of a Domingos Duarte own goal in the 82nd minute. Diego Simeone’s men dominated the ball but struggled to break down Getafe’s defensive wall until substitute Giacomo Raspadori forced the decisive moment of chaos.

‎With five straight wins in La Liga, Atlético remain well within striking distance of the top.