Camp Nou responds

All week, FC Barcelona had been stressing the importance of filling the Camp Nou for the game with Real Madrid, and on Sunday the fans did not disappoint. The crowd of 86,422 was the biggest since the pandemic, and the atmosphere was as good as the Clásico warrants.

In fact, it was the biggest attendance since 93,426 people were inside the ground for another league game with Real Madrid, the 0-0 draw on 18 December 2019, almost two years ago.

Un Clàssic com els de sempre

It also meant a welcome back to the Camp Nou for the traditional pre-game mosaics, the fans spelling out the words ‘Som-hi, Culers’ (Let’s Go, Culers) at the goal ends and a huge touchline banner proclaiming ‘Barça, ara i sempre’ (Barça, now and forever). 

It really was a symbol of the gradual return to normality throughout the country and the rest of the planet, with the kind of images that have not been witnessed, at least not in Barcelona, since before the pandemic. Just nine days after restrictions were lifted at stadiums in Catalonia, the fans were back out in force to get behind their team.

The result, sadly, did not accompany the occasion. But despite the 2-1 defeat, fans, coaches and executives alike were all unanimous in their gratitude for such an amazing turnout from the Barça faithful.