Barcelona defender fulfills Camp Nou dream in Real Oviedo victory | OneFootball

Joao Cancelo arrived in Barcelona to be part of Hansi Flick’s plans only in the winter, but it is very clear that he is as dedicated to the club crest as one can be.

The Portuguese star, after all, has spoken numerous times about how his previous stint in Catalonia was the best period in his career and how he felt at home playing for the Blaugrana.

One of his dreams that he could not fulfil in his previous stint, however, was to play at the Spotify Camp Nou as a Barcelona player, as the stadium was still under renovation works back then.

A dream come true

Barcelona took on Real Oviedo at the historic venue last night, and it was thus a dream come true for Cancelo, reports Mundo Deportivo.

After all, it was the first time he stepped on the grass of the Spotify Camp Nou as a Barcelona player.

Joao Cancelo played for the first time at Camp Nou as a Barcelona player. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

What made the occasion all the more special for him, needless to say, was the fact that it was his first start under Hansi Flick and that he was on the field from the very first minute of the game.

His special day was shared by his wife, daughter, and brother, who were all in the stands for his first game at the historic venue, and he delivered a solid showing on the night.

In 60 minutes on the field, Cancelo provided one accurate long-ball, completed 90% of his passes, and had 44 touches of the ball. He won two duels, one tackle, and made six ball recoveries on the night.

“He’s just arrived, but we can already see his quality in training. He has to adapt to our game and our philosophy. He can improve. Today I also wanted to give Balde a rest,” Hansi Flick said about Cancelo’s performance on the night in his press conference.

Notably, however, it was not the first time the defender ever played at the venue, for he had made four appearances at the Camp Nou during his time at Valencia.