FC Barcelona players
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Barcelona could not have asked for a better week. Everything that seemed to be going against the team for weeks has finally turned around, and the timing could not be more perfect.
The return to the Spotify Camp Nou was always going to be emotional, but no one expected such a complete performance on the pitch.
From the first minute to the last, Barcelona dominated Athletic Club and delivered a convincing 4-0 win that felt like a message to the rest of La Liga.
What makes the weekend even sweeter is who returned. Joan Garcia, the first-choice goalkeeper, stepped back between the posts after injury and immediately brought calm and confidence.
As such, his presence alone felt like the first piece of the puzzle falling back into place.
Then came Raphinha. Last season’s best player did not just return, he lifted the energy of the entire attack.
While the Brazilian is not expected to step into the starting XI just yet, his mere presence is more than enough to excite the Barcelona fans.
Joan García, our starting goalkeeper, is back.
Raphinha, our best player last season, is back.
We're back at the best stadium in the world.
We thrashed Athletic Club with a great match from start to finish.
Real Madrid dropped points for the second time in a row.
We're only… pic.twitter.com/tfk8UBFtIY
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 24, 2025
And of course, being back at the best stadium in the world, the beloved Spotify Camp Nou, made everything feel complete.
The fans were loud, emotional and fully behind the team. The atmosphere felt like old times, and the players responded with football that matched the occasion.
Thank you, Real Madrid!
Adding to the joy, Real Madrid dropped points for the second match in a row. After a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano before the international break, Elche held ground to restrict them to a 2-2 draw.
Notably, two players with Barcelona history, namely, Inaki Pena and Hector Fort, played decisive roles in this contest.
Despite suffering one of the worst injury crises in recent memory, Barcelona now sit only one point behind Real Madrid in the league table. That alone feels like a victory after everything the squad has been through.
A perfect stadium return. Important players are back. A dominant win. Rival dropping points. Barcelona closing the gap.
What a week for Barcelona!
Javier Tebas, La Liga president
Javier Tebas, La Liga president