It has been more than a year since FC Barcelona have been playing away from their actual home ground, i.e., Camp Nou, as it is undergoing renovations and the Blaugranes have been playing their home games at the Montjuïc Stadium.
Initially, 2024 was anticipated to mark Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou, with expectations that the team would play at least one match there before the year’s end.
However, this is clearly impossible, as the year’s last game, against Atletico Madrid, is scheduled for this Saturday. In such a scenario, MARCA notes that it might be impossible for Barcelona to make their return to the Camp Nou even for the second part of the season.
The renovation work at Camp Nou is not progressing as planned, with several technical issues still unresolved. For instance, the installation of emergency gates is unlikely to be completed before February. Additionally, the pitch turf is expected to be laid by mid-January, but it will require a few months to fully settle and be match-ready.
Amid these difficulties, some UEFA regulations might make it impossible for Barcelona to return to Camp Nou. There is a UEFA Champions League rule that all the matches of the League Phase should be played in the same stadium, and this first phase will not be over till the end of January.
If Barcelona have to play a play-off match for qualification to the Round of 16, this tie will be scheduled for mid-February, and if this game is played at Montjuïc Stadium, the rest of the games for the second part of the UCL campaign will also have to be played at this stadium.
As it stands, Barcelona are expected to advance directly to the Round of 16, with their home match in this stage scheduled for March 11. However, having Camp Nou ready by this date appears highly unlikely. Even if the renovations are completed in time, preparations for hosting the match would need to begin well in advance.
Thus, the chances that Barcelona return to Camp Nou, especially for European matches, are almost nil. The fans will have to wait for some more months to see their team in action in this beloved venue.
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