After a year-long exile, FC Barcelona is finally coming home. This Saturday marks the club's long-awaited return to its spiritual home, the Spotify Camp Nou, for a LaLiga clash against Athletic Club.
A Year in the Wilderness
The Catalan giants have been locked out of their iconic stadium since May 2023, when construction began on its massive £1.25billion refurbishment. During this period, Barcelona has played most home matches at the city's Olympic Stadium, with some fixtures hosted at the 6,000-seater Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Remarkably, many of Barcelona's current stars - including young talents Lamine Yamal and Pedri alongside established players like Raphina - have never experienced the roar of the Nou Camp crowd despite winning three trophies last season and coming agonisingly close to a Champions League final.
The Phased Return Begins
While this weekend represents a seismic moment for the club, it won't be a full-capacity affair. Due to ongoing construction work, Barcelona received special permission to host 45,401 fans - approximately 43% of the stadium's eventual capacity.
The club had initially been granted permission to host matches in October with just 25,000 spectators but decided to wait until they could welcome more supporters. Earlier this month, 23,000 fans got a sneak peek during an open training session, building anticipation for the proper return.
Interestingly, the 45,401 attendance will nearly match the 55,000 capacity of the Olympic Stadium that has served as their temporary home.
Messi's Midnight Visit Fuels Speculation
The internet erupted last week when Barcelona legend Lionel Messi posted photographs of himself visiting the renovated arena in the dead of night. The Argentine superstar wrote emotionally: 'Last night I returned to a place I miss with all my heart... I hope I can return someday and not just to say goodbye as a player, which I never got to do.'
However, club president Joan Laporta quickly moved to dispel rumours of an imminent playing return for LaLiga's all-time top scorer.
The stadium remains a work in progress, surrounded by cranes as the project continues towards its ultimate goal of increasing capacity from 99,000 to 105,000 while modernising dressing rooms and tunnel facilities.
Looking ahead, Barcelona aims to welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the Nou Camp for their Champions League fixture next month, signalling a gradual return to normal operations at one of football's most celebrated venues.
