Nico Williams was greeted by a wall of boos and relentless mockery from Barcelona fans on Camp Nou’s historic reopening night.
From the moment his name was announced at the warm-up, the fans’ reaction was unmistakably hostile, filled with whistles, boos, and ironic chants mocking the player.
His every touch of the ball was met with a chorus of jeers, intensifying when he missed a shot before the first quarter of the game was complete.
The atmosphere was charged with a mix of disappointment and resentment for the winger.
When Nico Williams failed to convert key chances, the crowd didn’t let up. Instead, they mockingly chanted “Nico, stay, Nico, stay,” a pointed reminder of the winger’s controversial decision to reject Barcelona’s advances last summer and instead renew his contract with Athletic Club, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
This decision was felt keenly by the Barcelona faithful, not least because a move to Camp Nou was widely anticipated.
The fact that he chose loyalty to Athletic over a chance to play for Barça arguably deepened the sense of betrayal felt by many fans.
Despite the hostile treatment, Williams was arguably Athletic’s most dangerous player on the day.
He made several threatening runs down the wings, testing defenders Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde multiple times.
The winger also showed a commendable defensive work ethic, tracking back when needed.
Just before halftime, he came closest to scoring for the visitors with a shot that skimmed the side netting, denying him a reprieve from the persistent booing.
The Barcelona crowd’s reaction to Williams illustrates the deeply emotional nature of football rivalries and the heavy expectations placed on talents who choose between two passionate clubs.
His story remains one of divided loyalties and unfinished business, set against the backdrop of a historic evening at the new Camp Nou.
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