Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou has moved a step closer after UEFA listed the revamped stadium as the venue for their Champions League group game against Olympiacos on October 21.
The Blaugrana have been playing at Montjuic while the famous ground undergoes renovation, but optimism is growing that they could also host Girona in La Liga on October 18 before welcoming Olympiacos. Final approval from city authorities and UEFA remains pending.
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Barcelona deputy mayor Albert Batlle expressed confidence that minor safety issues will be resolved in time for the reopening, which would increase capacity from 27,000 at Montjuic to 45,000 at Camp Nou.
UEFA rules state that a domestic match must be staged at the venue before hosting European fixtures, and Barca have already communicated their request for an exemption, stressing necessity over financial motives.
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If clearance is delayed, the return could be pushed back until November 2 against Elche or December 9 against Eintracht Frankfurt. Until then, Barca continue their Champions League campaign at Montjuic, starting with a major clash against PSG.
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