Another Camp Nou setback for Barcelona as La Liga champions issue statement on upcoming Champions League clash

Barcelona have confirmed their Champions League group stage match against Olympiacos on October 21 will be played at the stadium in Montjuic, officially delaying the planned reopening of the Camp Nou. In a statement released on the club's website, Barcelona announced they are still working to obtain the necessary administrative permits to return to their renovated home.

The club’s announcement puts an end to speculation that they would return to Camp Nou this month. UEFA had previously listed the revamped stadium as the venue for the Olympiacos fixture, fuelling optimism for an imminent homecoming. However, Barcelona have now clarified the match will remain at their temporary home in Montjuic as they continue to work through "new amendments that Barcelona City Council shared with the Club last week." The decision impacts ticketing, with season pass holders from the last two seasons at Montjuic receiving a 48-hour priority window to purchase tickets for the European tie.

While administrative hurdles are the official reason, the delay also aligns with financial and logistical considerations. A mid-October return would have seen Camp Nou operate with a severely restricted capacity of just 27,000. By comparison, Barcelona's temporary home at Montjuic can accommodate over 50,000 spectators, making it a more viable option for now. The club are weighing the benefits of waiting until more sections of Camp Nou are complete, which would allow for a significantly larger crowd and greater matchday revenue.

The situation is complicated by UEFA regulations, which state a domestic league game must be played in a new stadium before it can host a European fixture. Furthermore, teams are typically required to play all group stage home games at a single venue, meaning Barcelona would need special dispensation to move from Montjuic mid-campaign. With the October return now off the table, reports suggest their upcoming La Liga match against Athletic Club on November 23 is the new target date for the grand reopening. A return then could see capacity rise to between 45,000 and 62,000.

Until the club secures the final permits and decides on a firm date, Hansi Flick's side will continue to play all home fixtures at the Montjuic stadium. While the off-field stadium issues continue, the team's immediate focus is on their formidable Champions League challenge against Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona will proceed with the ticket sale process for the Olympiacos match at Montjuic.