A day at the new Camp Nou as Barcelona beat Sevilla on election day
I’m back in Barcelona, and for the first I got to see how the new Camp Nou is looking, and let’s just say the magisterial home of the Blaugrana is very much a work in progress.
The good news, culers were rocking the grounds as Barca thrashed Sevilla 5-2, in what really could have been many more goals for Hansi Flick’s attacking machine.
Officially, as of Sunday, the stadium can now hold 60,000 plus spectators. In person, that looks like filling out the first and second bowls of the Camp Nou, while, the third is still under construction.
As I approached the stadium with a hoard of singing supporters, the first thing you notice is that there is no siding on the stadium and no roof. In addition, there are giant cranes on all sides. The work never stopped, and who knows when it will be finished.
Other than that, the outside of the confines looks about the same as it did the last time I visited right before construction began. There is the same fan zone known as “Rambla de Barcelona” adjacent to the Barcelona museum, and entering the grounds feels the same as it did before with lettered zones and numerical gates funneling fans to their respective seats.
Although it isn’t yet apparent, the concourse on the inside of the Camp Nou is being expanded. Although it looks more spacious, there still isn’t anything special or modern about it.
The concession stands, for now, are no better than what you would find at a high school football game, with popcorn and cold sandwiches, known as bocadillos, on offer. We were told hot food isn’t yet on the menu.
Culturally, I wouldn’t expect this to change too much. Locals are known for bringing their own food into the grounds to enjoy at half-time, so if anything, you could see there being a point of catering to the plethora of tourists who famously pour in the city of Gaudà to visit the magical city, while also taking in a game.
As we took our seats, the Camp Nou was a beautiful as ever. The show, after all, is on the field, and the truth is all the bells, whistles, and distractions that have become common in stadiums around the world aren’t necessary here. Barca fans come for football.
The music is amplified and the vibes are great, thanks to the on the nose corporate collaboration with Spotify. There are new, more conspicuously high, advertising boards surrounding the field.
The view from our seats in section 311 was superb, with a perfect line of vision to the every corner of the field.
To our surprise, 10 minute before kick-off, none other than Joan Laporta entered the stands, surrounded by security, as he intended to watch the game among the fans. The former and current president was just one section over, and took the time to take pictures with young supporters, as he campaigned for the votes of their parents in the final hours of voting for the Barca presidency.
Laporta stayed for every minute of the game, surrounded by the Barca faithful, and he was even seen dancing as João Cancelo scored Barcelona’s fifth and final goal to put the game to rest.
In the end, both Barcelona and Laporta prevailed on the day.
The Blaugrana got just what they needed with the big Champions League showdown against Newcastle on the horizon.
Lamine Yamal finally got some rest, and Pedri was able to be taken off at half-time. The only curious thing for me is why Raphinha played so much, while Marcus Rashford watched from the sideline.
Gavi was given a hero’s welcome when he entered in the 80th minute.
But the biggest, and most consequential news of all, was the re-election of Joan Laporta.
He won in a landslide, but many of the socios I talked to mentioned that, although they were voting for him, they were starting to feel a sense of fatigue from the drama and vanity.
Laporta has gotten results, and that’s why his reign as president continues. It’s well deserved, and that’s why most socios didn’t hesitate in giving him their votes.
But the victory should be taken with humility.
Barcelona are doing well, and far better than most expected, but they are not out of the woods.
Not this season, and certainly not for the uncertain future ahead. In the game of modern football, nothing is ever promised, especially when you aren’t a player in the market.
Barcelona is more than a club, and at their best, it’s because they are the manifestation of football as it should be.
If they keep focusing on the game, and showing love and respect for playing it at the highest level, the good times will, no doubt, continue to roll.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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