The Albany Gazette - Lewandowski will remember scoring first goal at new Camp Nou 'forever'

The veteran striker opened the scoring after four minutes to get Barca's inauguration party started after two-and-a-half years playing away from their home stadium.

Barca had planned to reopen Camp Nou a year ago but the date was pushed back several times amid construction problems and other issues.

"Today was a special day, not only for me but for everyone. Because of this I'm very happy that I could score the first goal, coming back to Camp Nou," Lewandowski told Barca One.

"I have so much experience playing in different stadiums, but here is something special. I'm very proud of myself and also of the team because we did a great job today and we won.

"I think this first goal for me is something that I'm going to remember forever."

The win took Barca level on points with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and was an improvement on the team's recent performances.

"I already felt two, three days ago when I came back from the national team to the club, I felt special emotions, that something special (is going to happen)," continued Lewandowski.

"We all know this game is going to be something that we're going to remember long-term."

Barca coach Hansi Flick hailed the former Bayern Munich striker.

"He's a player that when he has a chance it's normal that nearly 100 percent (of the time) that he scores," Flick told reporters.

"It was very important today that we score very early, because it gives us the confidence we need."

Around 45,000 fans filled the three open stands, with the third tier of the stadium still under construction. The project is due to be completed in 2027, a year later than originally scheduled.

(Y.Harris--TAG)