Barcelona confident about imminent Spotify Camp Nou return after false dawns

After more than two years playing in exile at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, FC Barcelona are hopeful that this Sunday’s match against Elche will be their last La Liga fixture at the venue.

Indeed, the Blaugrana have begun the countdown to their long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou, with the game against Athletic Club on 22 November set as the target date for the homecoming.

Over the past few months, Barcelona have set dates for their return to the renovated Camp Nou – initially the Gamper Trophy match vs Como in August, then the La Liga game vs Valencia in September – only for the plans to fall through.

However, according to MARCA , this time, it appears to be final. Barcelona are confident that they will end up making their long-awaited move back to the stadium on 22 November.

Earlier today, Barcelona announced that Hansi Flick’s squad will hold an open training session at the refurbished Spotify Camp Nou on 7 November .

The event will be open to 23,000 fans, corresponding to the capacity authorised by the city council under the first occupancy licence. This marks Phase 1A of the gradual reopening, which covers the Tribune and South Goal stands.

Return imminent. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Between 12 and 15 November, the Catalans expect to receive the Phase 1B authorisation, which would expand capacity to 45,000 spectators.

The board has decided that the team will officially return once this capacity is granted. Should approval be confirmed, Barça are cautiously optimistic that the team will make their official return on 22 November against Athletic.

If that proves unfeasible, the alternative date is 29 November, for the match against Alavés, which would coincide with the club’s 126th anniversary.

What’s more, Barça are hopeful the return will be permanent, as they are asking UEFA to make an exception and allow them to play their remaining Champions League home games at Camp Nou.

Regulations require all group-stage fixtures to be held at the same stadium and Barcelona began this season’s European campaign at Montjuic.

UEFA has shown willingness to review Barcelona’s request, following several discussions between both parties.

As such, the club is optimistic that approval will be granted and that alternating between Montjuic and the Camp Nou will not be necessary, although they are not willing to confirm it for now.