Barça hopes to return to Camp Nou in time for the Champions Round of 16

Joan Laporta spoke about the progress of the works at Spotify Camp Nou during the traditional Christmas lunch of FC Barcelona. The president made it clear that while the project "is progressing very well", they will have to wait at least a couple more months in 2025 for the team to return to Les Corts. As expected, Barça will close the league phase in the UEFA Champions League at Montjuïc.

"We are making the new Camp Nou a reality, which continues to advance with some unforeseen circumstances. We will not return until the first phase of the Champions is over, but we are working to have the right conditions", explained the blaugrana president. Thus, the forecasts of a return to the stadium between late February and early March would be fulfilled, according to what was leaked by several sources close to the board a few weeks ago.

The possible matches that would mark Barça's official return to Camp Nou

If they secure their place in the TOP-8 of the league phase (a win or draw against Benfica or Atalanta would be enough), Barça will not only secure their direct passage to the Round of 16; they will also be able to play the second leg of the tie at home. In that sense, the culés would define the Round of 16 matchup on March 11 or 12, probably already settled in a Spotify Camp Nou with a temporary capacity for 65,000 spectators.

The club hoped to close 2024 back in the culé temple, but delays in the works forced them to extend the rental contract for Montjuïc for at least three more months. If the project progresses at the expected pace in the coming weeks, Barça could return to play in their stadium the first weekend of March, in the league, against Real Sociedad or a week later, against Osasuna, just before the definition of the Round of 16 in the Champions.