FC Barcelona officially confirmed on Monday that they will return to the Spotify Camp Nou this weekend for their La Liga clash against Athletic Club on November 22, 2025, ending a 30-month exile that saw the Catalan giants play home matches at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The announcement came after the club received the Phase 1B occupancy license from Barcelona City Council, allowing them to operate with a capacity of 45,401 spectators in the partially renovated stadium that has been under construction since May 2023.
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The Long-Awaited Homecoming
The return marks a significant milestone for Barcelona, who last played at their iconic stadium on May 28, 2023, when they defeated Mallorca 3-0. Since then, the club has endured multiple false starts and postponed return dates, including the Joan Gamper Trophy match in August 2025 and a planned homecoming against Valencia, both of which fell through due to licensing delays and construction setbacks.
| Stadium Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Match Played | May 28, 2023 vs Mallorca (3-0 win) |
| Temporary Home | Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (55,000 capacity) |
| Time Away | 30 months (May 2023 – November 2025) |
| Return Match | November 22, 2025 vs Athletic Club |
| Initial Capacity | 45,401 spectators (Phase 1B) |
| Target Capacity | 62,000 by end of 2025 |
| Ultimate Capacity | 105,000 upon full completion |
The official club statement read: “FC Barcelona informs that the match corresponding to matchday 13 of the League, against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15 hours, will finally be played at Spotify Camp Nou. This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which allows increasing the capacity up to 45,401 spectators.”
Construction Phases and Current Stadium Status
The Spotify Camp Nou renovation represents one of the most ambitious stadium projects in football history, with a total investment exceeding £1.1 billion. The phased reopening approach allows Barcelona to gradually increase capacity as different sections receive occupancy approval while construction continues on other areas.
Reopening Phases Breakdown
| Phase | Stands Included | Capacity | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1A | Tribune and Gol Sud (South Goal) | 25,991 | Approved October 2025 |
| Phase 1B | Lateral stand (entire side) | 45,401 total | Approved November 2025 |
| Phase 1C | Gol Nord (North Goal) | TBD | Under construction |
| Full Completion | All stands, third tier | 105,000 | Projected completion TBD |
Joan Sentelles, the executive overseeing the renovation project, explained the strategic thinking behind waiting for Phase 1B approval before resuming matches: “The objective is to have it ready for the Athletic Bilbao match. As soon as we receive the 1B license, we’ll be able to open the Lateral stand. That will give us a capacity similar to the Olympic Stadium, and from that point, it will make sense to return and play all our games here.”
The club initially received Phase 1A approval in October 2025, but the 25,991 capacity was deemed insufficient to justify returning from a financial perspective. By waiting for Phase 1B, which nearly doubles the available seating, Barcelona ensures a more economically viable return while providing a better matchday experience for members and fans.
The Successful Test Event
Barcelona held a crucial open training session at the Spotify Camp Nou on November 7, 2025, which served as an essential operational test before the official return. The event attracted 21,795 fans who arrived at 9:30 AM, many having taken time off work to witness this historic moment.
The entire first-team squad, including injured players who didn’t want to miss such a symbolic occasion, took to the pitch together for a commemorative group photo before the training session began. President Joan Laporta classified the test event as a success, confirming it validated the stadium’s readiness to host competitive matches.
The test allowed officials to assess crowd flow, security protocols, emergency procedures, concession operations, and general fan experience—all critical factors that needed verification before hosting a competitive fixture with higher stakes and expectations.
Lamine Yamal’s Historic Moment
One of the most poignant aspects of Barcelona’s return involves teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has become the most valuable young footballer on the planet without ever starting a match at his club’s actual home stadium. The 18-year-old wonderkid emerged during Barcelona’s exile at Montjuïc, and Saturday’s match will represent his first competitive game at Camp Nou.
Yamal marked the announcement by changing his Instagram profile picture to one of him pointing at the Barcelona badge, writing: “Montjuïc was the beginning. Camp Nou is where history will be written.” This statement captures the emotion surrounding the return for an entire generation of Barcelona players who have only known the temporary home at the Olympic Stadium.
For perspective, every goal Yamal has scored for Barcelona’s first team, every assist he has provided, and every dazzling dribble he has completed has occurred either at Montjuïc or in away stadiums. His Barcelona story at Camp Nou truly begins this weekend.
Ticketing Controversy and Athletic Club Fans
The return has not been without controversy. Barcelona announced that no away fan allocation would be provided to Athletic Club supporters, a decision that has generated significant criticism. According to Marca, 468 Athletic members had entered a draw hoping to attend the match, but Barcelona will not accommodate visiting fans.
The club justified this decision by citing renovation constraints, arguing that they cannot provide separate access points and seating for away supporters at the current stage of construction. However, critics point to Rayo Vallecano as a counter-example—their stadium lacks a separate away section, yet they still provide allocations to visiting fans, as Barcelona experienced earlier this season when they played there.
This decision has angered Athletic Club, one of La Liga’s most traditional clubs with a passionate traveling support. The complete exclusion of away fans, even in small numbers, runs counter to football culture and creates an uncomfortable precedent for other clubs hoping to visit the renovated Camp Nou.
Champions League Uncertainty
While the La Liga return is confirmed, significant uncertainty remains regarding Champions League matches at the Spotify Camp Nou. Barcelona stated they are “working jointly with UEFA to be able to play the match against Eintracht Frankfurt at Spotify Camp Nou, since the necessary requirements are met, although confirmation is still awaited.”
UEFA maintains stricter standards for stadium safety, accessibility, and operational capacity than domestic leagues. The governing body must independently verify that the partially completed stadium meets their requirements before approving its use for European competition. Barcelona’s next Champions League home fixture after Frankfurt includes a visit to Chelsea before returning for home matches against Alavés and Atlético Madrid.
The club hopes to receive UEFA approval quickly, as playing Champions League matches at Camp Nou would significantly enhance revenue streams and provide the authentic home advantage that the Montjuïc experience, while serviceable, could never fully replicate.
Financial Implications of the Return
President Joan Laporta has repeatedly described the Espai Barça project—of which the stadium renovation is the centerpiece—as vital for Barcelona’s sporting, economic, and financial future. Last month, the club announced expectations to break through the €1 billion revenue barrier for the 2025-26 season, with the gradual return to Camp Nou playing a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
The increased capacity compared to previous return scenarios directly impacts matchday revenue. With 45,401 seats available versus the initially approved 25,991, Barcelona nearly doubles their ticket sales potential for each home fixture. Over the remainder of the season, this capacity increase translates to millions of euros in additional revenue from ticket sales, hospitality packages, and concessions.
Beyond direct matchday income, the return to Camp Nou enhances Barcelona’s commercial appeal. Sponsors pay premium rates for association with matches played at iconic venues, and the global broadcast appeal of Camp Nou surpasses that of the temporary Olympic Stadium location. The stadium itself has naming rights from Spotify, a deal worth significant annual revenue that becomes more valuable as the venue returns to hosting regular matches.
Season Pass and Digital Ticketing
Barcelona has implemented a new digital season pass system for the 2025-26 campaign to manage the complex ticketing situation during the gradual return. Season ticket holders receive a single pass that remains valid through the end of the season, covering matches at both the Olympic Stadium (for the first half of the season) and now at Spotify Camp Nou.
Members holding the 25/26 Season Pass must confirm their attendance for each match through the Members APP or the club’s website up to six days before kickoff. If they do not actively indicate attendance intentions, the club will not assign a seat and access will not be possible. Tickets are delivered digitally between 24 and three hours before matches begin.
The presale for members for the Athletic Club match began on Monday at 16:00, with general public sales opening Tuesday at the same time. VIP ticket sales commenced immediately upon the announcement, reflecting strong demand for the historic return match.
Importantly, throughout the 2025-26 season, while work continues and stadium access remains limited to partial capacity, the status of traditional season ticket holders remains suspended. This represents a significant departure from normal operations but reflects the ongoing construction realities.
The Road Ahead
Barcelona continues working on Phase 1C to guarantee the resumption of activity in the North Goal area, gathering all operational, security, and comfort conditions for members and fans. Joan Sentelles confirmed that the goal is to reach 62,000-seat capacity before the end of 2025, even as work on the third tier continues.
The ambitious timeline suggests Barcelona hopes to have nearly two-thirds of the ultimate 105,000 capacity available within weeks of the initial return. However, given the project’s history of delays and the complexity of construction work on such a massive scale, realistic expectations suggest a more gradual capacity increase may be necessary.
For now, Barcelona focuses on ensuring Saturday’s return against Athletic Club proceeds smoothly. The match kicks off at 16:15 local time, with the world watching as one of football’s most storied clubs reclaims its iconic home after the longest absence in the stadium’s history.
Read More: Lionel Messi Statue at Camp Nou: Barcelona President Laporta Confirms Tribute Plans for Club Legend
FAQs
When will Barcelona return to Camp Nou?
Barcelona will return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 16:15 local time for their La Liga match against Athletic Club. This marks their first competitive match at the stadium in 30 months, having last played there on May 28, 2023.
What is the capacity of Camp Nou for Barcelona’s return?
The initial capacity is 45,401 spectators following the Phase 1B occupancy license approval. This includes the Tribune, Gol Sud (South Goal), and the entire Lateral stand. The club aims to reach 62,000 capacity by the end of 2025, with the ultimate goal of 105,000 upon full completion.
Why has Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou been delayed so many times?
The return has been delayed due to construction setbacks, licensing holdups, and safety concerns. Previous target dates including the Joan Gamper Trophy match in August and the Valencia home game fell through because the club couldn’t secure the necessary occupancy permits in time from Barcelona City Council.
Will Barcelona play Champions League matches at Camp Nou?
It remains uncertain. Barcelona is working with UEFA to obtain approval for the Eintracht Frankfurt Champions League match to be played at Spotify Camp Nou. UEFA must independently verify that the stadium meets their stricter safety and operational standards before granting permission.
Where has Barcelona been playing home matches during the renovation?
Barcelona has been playing at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (Olympic Stadium) in Montjuïc since May 2023. The 55,000-capacity venue served as their temporary home for 30 months, with the club also using the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium for some fixtures this season.
