Barcelona given Camp Nou return boost as UEFA schedules Champions League showdown at renovated stadium

Barca could finally be heading home, with UEFA’s website stating that the Champions League group stage fixture against Olympiacos on October 21 is scheduled to take place at the Camp Nou. No official announcement has been made by either Barcelona or UEFA, with Marca reporting city officials and Barca executives are pleased with the progress being made in their efforts to end a process that has dragged on amid many delays.

Barcelona city deputy mayor Albert Batlle expressed confidence that the necessary adjustments would be completed in time for Camp Nou’s reopening. “We are hopeful that the necessary adjustments will be made and that, from a safety perspective, the go-ahead can be given for the partial reopening of Camp Nou. I think the minor issues that existed can be resolved,” he said. The club is racing to meet those conditions to raise capacity from 27,000 at Montjuic to 45,000 at the redeveloped Camp Nou.

Despite UEFA’s website listing Camp Nou as the venue, approval remains subject to strict requirements. The governing body has made it clear that a domestic league game must be played at the stadium before it can host Champions League fixtures. Additionally, UEFA rules state that group stage games must take place in a single venue, meaning Barca will need special dispensation after beginning their European campaign at Montjuic.

The Blaugrana have already communicated their intentions to UEFA, stressing that their request is based on necessity rather than financial motives. Club officials remain hopeful that UEFA will grant an exemption, allowing them to move fixtures back to Camp Nou sooner rather than later. The decision will mark a symbolic return for the team, which has been displaced since the redevelopment works began.

While, on field Hansi Flick's squad are set to face European champions PSG in the next game and their upcoming major home fixtures will be crucial in deciding the timeline of their Camp Nou return. The Girona clash on October 18 could serve as the first test before Olympiacos visit in Europe three days later. If clearance is delayed, the club may have to wait until November 2 against Elche in La Liga or December 9 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Until then, all eyes are on UEFA and the city council’s final verdict.