FC Barcelona is not only facing criticism for its inconsistent start to the Champions League, but also unexpected provocations from northern England. During Athletic Club’s 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, nearly 3,000 traveling Basque fans created a peculiar scene: they cheered wildly for Club Brugge’s goals against Barcelona.

While Ernesto Valverde’s side suffered their third European loss of the season, the red-and-white stands erupted every time Club Brugge scored against Hansi Flick’s men in Belgium. The 3-3 draw between Barça and Brugge was shown on the big screen inside the English stadium, and ironic chants from the Athletic supporters quickly filled the air.

Footage captured by several Spanish outlets showed the Bilbao fans celebrating each Belgian goal with sarcasm, a clear reflection of the rivalry that still lingers with Barcelona, especially after the high-profile Nico Williams transfer saga that pitted both clubs against each other during the last transfer window.

A Rivalry Beyond the Scoreboard

While Valverde searches for answers for an Athletic side struggling to find direction in Europe, his supporters seem to have found a peculiar comfort: Barcelona’s crisis. On a gloomy night for the Basques, the red-and-white faithful found reasons to smile watching the Catalan club stumble.

The episode shows that, even far from Spain, the old wounds between the two fanbases remain open. Despite failing to score in England, Athletic fans cheered Brugge’s goals as if they were their own, turning St. James’ Park into a kind of “improvised San Mamés.”

Barça Torn Between Frustration and Lamine Yamal’s Magic

Meanwhile, Barcelona once again dropped valuable points in their visit to the Jan Breydel Stadium. Flick’s side once again showed serious defensive problems, despite the brilliant performance of Lamine Yamal, who scored and played a key role in the final draw.

The young Catalan winger, who regained his rhythm after struggling with physical issues in recent weeks, was the driving force in attack. His pace, dribbling, and vision helped Barça avoid defeat in a match that once again exposed the team’s defensive instability.

The draw leaves a bitter taste: Barça could have climbed higher in the league phase table, but their defensive weakness cost them again. And as the team tries to regain its footing on the pitch, the mockery from Athletic’s fans in Newcastle serves as another reminder that Barça’s crisis hasn’t gone unnoticed — even outside Spain.