FC Barcelona has set a highly anticipated date for its potential return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou: Saturday, November 22, at 16:15 CET, when they are scheduled to host Athletic Club for Matchday 13 of the domestic league.
La Liga announced the fixture date this morning, earmarking it as the Blaugrana’s first match back at their home stadium after more than two years away, though the venue remains officially unconfirmed.
The return is conditional on city council approval. Barcelona has obtained the initial Phase 1A occupancy license, which would allow for approximately 26,000 spectators in the first two tiers of the Main Stand and the South Goal.
However, the club is delaying the reopening, preferring to wait for the Phase 1B license. This permit would authorize the use of the Main Stand, South Goal, and Lateral Stand, thereby raising the reduced capacity to 45,401 spectators.
The administration has “drawn its fair share of criticism for the continued delays,” but club officials are hopeful the return can finally take place next month.
Until then, Hansi Flick’s side will continue to play their home fixtures, including Tuesday’s match against Olympiacos and the subsequent fixture against Elche, at the temporary Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuic.