Three talking points as Barcelona thrash Athletic Club 4-0 | OneFootball

FC Barcelona welcomed Athletic Club to the Spotify Camp Nou for a La Liga game last night, with a lot riding on it. It was their first match at their permanent home in two and a half years, and getting the three points was very important.

Hansi Flick had several selection headaches ahead of the game and named a makeshift starting XI with many players out of position. Despite this, the team gelled well and showed they could hold their own.

Athletic Club were outplayed from minute one. They never really had a chance to get back into it, and the 45,157 people at the Camp Nou saw some spectacular play, especially from Lamine Yamal.

With all this in mind, here are three talking points for Barcelona after their 4–0 win over Athletic Club in La Liga.

Oh Camp Nou, we have missed you!

There was not much difference between the capacity at the Spotify Camp Nou and a full-strength crowd at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in terms of numbers. However, in terms of atmosphere, it was night and day.

The 45,000 or so in attendance turned the place into a cauldron, cheering the team on, being flabbergasted by Lamine doing Lamine things live, and booing Nico Williams at every opportunity.

It was a reminder of how good the old Camp Nou used to be, and a trailer of what is to come when capacity increases. Having been distanced by the circular running track at Montjuïc, last night the fans felt much closer to the action.

When the Camp Nou construction works are complete, hopefully by 2026–27, the arena will hold more than twice the number of people present last night. For now, let us imagine how that will feel.

Kudos to Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick deserves appreciation for getting his starting XI and tactical setup spot on. The German manager did the best he could with the resources available while keeping the Chelsea game in mind.

He took a brave risk, starting Eric Garcia in defensive midfield and playing Gerard Martin as a centre back ahead of Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. Both moves turned out to be overwhelming successes.

Flick also adopted a more pragmatic high line, with the team defending as a collective. The press from the front was much improved, too, with Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez leading the way.

His substitutions were spot on as well. Ahead of Chelsea, he managed to rest Balde, Fermin, Lewandowski, and Eric Garcia, while giving minutes to Raphinha and Marc Bernal. An 11/10 performance from the German manager.

Eric Garcia, the ultimate Swiss-knife

How good has Eric Garcia become? Wherever Hansi Flick deploys him, he emerges looking as though it is his best position. Last night, the Spaniard operated as the No. 6 and produced a superb display.

Eric was everywhere, getting to second balls first, positioning himself perfectly, and keeping the game ticking. His passing was solid rather than spectacular, and he showed no signs of discomfort in a role he had not started in this season.

The 24-year-old played a major role in both Robert Lewandowski’s and Fermin Lopez’s goals, with his front-foot defending helping Barcelona win the ball high up the pitch. He is also unafraid to attempt intricate through balls.

Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Eric is expected to return to centre back. Slowly but surely, the Spaniard is becoming the ultimate Swiss-knife in world football, and long may it continue.