Determining the earliest time Barca can return to Camp Nou

Barcelona will not be able to make their comeback at Camp Nou by the end of September as planned; the earliest the team can return to the "sanctuary" is the match against Girona on October 18.

Barcelona fans will have to wait at least a few more weeks before seeing their beloved team play at Spotify Camp Nou again. Initially, the match against Real Sociedad this weekend (September 29) was expected to mark the legendary stadium’s reopening after a long renovation. However, the plan was postponed because the Barcelona City Council has yet to grant temporary usage permission.

According to the announcement, some technical and safety aspects still need to be completed before Camp Nou can open its doors to spectators. Therefore, the game against Sociedad will continue to be held at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barca’s temporary home since the start of the season.

The new plan set by Barca is for the date October 18during the Catalan derby against Girona in La Liga. This is expected to be the official milestone marking coach Hansi Flick’s team’s return to their familiar "sanctuary."

Before that, Barca will have several more matches away from Camp Nou. After facing Sociedad, Blaugrana will host PSG at Montjuïc in the Champions League on October 1, then travel to Sevilla before the international break.

City officials confirm that progress is currently on track. Mayor Jaume Collboni stated: “I believe we are following the schedule correctly. Significant progress has been made, and good news will come soon.”

If everything goes smoothly, the match against Girona will be one of Barca’s major events this season. Not only will it mark their return to Camp Nou after nearly a year and a half, but the club also plans to hold its Annual General Meeting on October 19, the day after the game.

The return to Camp Nou is eagerly anticipated by fans not only for its symbolic significance but also because it will significantly boost Barca’s revenue from tickets and services. With its large capacity and unique atmosphere, it will provide a strong morale boost for Hansi Flick’s team during a crucial phase of the season.