Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Bilbao: Robert Lewandowski grabs the first goal at the revamped Camp Nou

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski took just five minutes to open the scoring as Barcelona celebrated being back at Camp Nou by taking an early lead against Athletic Bilbao.

The home side have not appeared at their home stadium for 909 days but looked very comfortable in their rebuilt surroundings as they dominated the early stages.

Lewandowski had a shot inside the opening seconds as the Blaugrana came out firing in front of over 40,000 fans – the capacity still capped until the work is finished.

The veteran Pole was causing all sorts of issues for the Athletic backline and only a brilliant block by Aymeric Laporte prevented him converting Ferran Torres’ centre three minutes later.

He wasn’t to be denied a third time. Athletic made a mess of clearing the ball and Lewandowski shifted the ball on to his left foot and fired into the corner, although Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon will be disappointed after getting a good hand to the ball.

The goal prodded Athletic into action and Alex Berenguer ought to have done better than mis-control at the far post.

Nico Williams – a long-time Barca target – then threatened with a curling effort that drifted wide of the returning Joan Garcia’s upright.

A win would see Barcelona move level on points with La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who play tomorrow.