Barcelona has officially confirmed that UEFA has granted approval for the club to host Champions League matches at the newly renovated Camp Nou. This marks the end of a two-year exile from their iconic stadium, during which the team played home fixtures at the Estadi Olímpic in Montjuïc.
The first European fixture back at Camp Nou will be against Eintracht Frankfurt on December 9. This comes just weeks after the stadium’s reinauguration in domestic competition against Athletic Bilbao on November 22. The decision allows Barcelona to reconnect with its historic home in front of its supporters.
Due to ongoing construction, the stadium will operate at a reduced capacity of approximately 45,000 seats. UEFA accepted Barcelona’s request after confirming that all safety and regulatory requirements had been met. The approval ensures compliance with competition rules, which typically restrict venue changes during the league phase.
Barcelona emphasized that the return represents a significant milestone in the transformation of the Spotify Camp Nou. The renovation project, which began in June 2023, aims to expand the stadium’s capacity from 99,000 to 105,000, making it Europe’s largest football venue. The partial reopening demonstrates progress in the ambitious redevelopment.
The club had previously faced repeated delays in reopening the stadium, with construction setbacks and licensing issues forcing them to postpone plans. At one point, Barcelona was compelled to play matches at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which holds just 6,000 spectators, highlighting the challenges of the transition.
With UEFA’s approval, Barcelona can now look forward to welcoming fans back to the Camp Nou for continental competition. The return is expected to boost morale for both players and supporters, while reinforcing the stadium’s status as one of football’s most iconic venues.