FC Barcelona announced a couple of days ago that the return to the Spotify Camp Nou is finally set to become a reality after months of repeated postponement. The Catalan club will play at their home for the first time in two years.
Barcelona were waiting to secure the 1B licence, which allows them to seat 45,000 fans at the Camp Nou. Against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, a crowd of that size is expected in what is a momentous day for the club.
According to [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20251119/1002571503/abrir-spotify-camp-nou-62-000-enero-reto-viene.html), Barcelona are targeting unlocking the phase 1C license by January, which would allow them to seat 62,000 spectators. It helps that there is a prolonged break between their last game in December and their first home game in January.
Barcelona play Osasuna on 13 December at home, and their next game at the Camp Nou would be on 14 January if the club progress to the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey and the draw places them at home. If not, it will be on 25 January against Real Oviedo.
The return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday is just the first step in a prolonged process before Barcelona are able to seat a full house at the newly renovated stadium. The expectation is that more sections will be unlocked as the season goes on.
There is an incredible buzz surrounding Barcelona’s much-awaited return to their permanent home after a nomadic couple of seasons. Let us hope Hansi Flick’s team can mark it with a victory and secure the three points against Bilbao.