Barcelona’s concerns about Camp Nou return are coming true

Barcelona fans eagerly awaiting the team’s return to the iconic Camp Nou this season may have to come to terms with disappointing news.

According to a report from MARCA, the club is increasingly convinced that a return to their historic home ground this season is unlikely.

This is because the ongoing renovation works at the stadium are moving slower than anticipated, leaving several unresolved issues that make the idea of a comeback nearly impossible.

The initial plan

Initially, the Barcelona board had hoped that the first team could play at least one match at Camp Nou before the end of the year.

A potential fixture against Atletico Madrid had been considered, but logistical challenges ruled this out entirely.

Later, it was suggested that the team might return by February after completing the Champions League group-stage matches at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. However, even this timeline now appears overly optimistic.

Several technical issues remain unresolved, and these delays are the primary reason why the stadium is not yet match-ready. For example, critical aspects like emergency exits and other safety measures are still incomplete.

This has made it increasingly clear that the team will not be able to return to Camp Nou in time for the current season’s fixtures, especially under UEFA’s strict requirements.

What’s the problem?

A particular complication arises from UEFA’s rule that all Champions League matches in the group stage must be played at the same venue.

If Camp Nou cannot meet the necessary standards in time, Barcelona will have no choice but to complete their European campaign at Montjuic.

This rule leaves little room for flexibility and further dampens any hopes of returning to Camp Nou this season.

The situation underscores the challenges of the ambitious renovations at one of football’s most iconic stadiums. While fans may be disappointed, it is clear that safety and compliance with regulations must take priority.

For now, Barcelona will continue to call Montjuic home, and a return to Camp Nou will likely have to wait until the following season.