Barcelona announce stadium change in Champions League after UEFA green light | OneFootball

Barcelona have confirmed that their return to Camp Nou is permanent, after getting the green light to move stadium in European competition. Spotify Camp Nou is set to host its first game after renovation work on Saturday in front of 45,400 fans against Athletic Club in La Liga.

The green light to do so came on Monday night, with the Barcelona City Council granting the club the licence to reopen the stadium to a capacity of 45,400, which will see two of the stands open to fans. For the foreseeable, it looks like Barcelona will be back at their home stadium.

UEFA give green light for Camp Nou return

The doubt was whether Barcelona would be able to return to Camp Nou for their two remaining games in the Champions League league phase against Eintracht Frankfurt (9th of December) and FC Copenhagen (28th of January). UEFA regulations state that team are not allowed to change stadium during the league phase or the knockout phase, but Barcelona have argued that their situation is due to renovation work rather than a desire to gain any advantage by changing grounds.

A photo of the Camp Nou, still under construction, taken during a press tour on September 23, 2025. image via Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA/SIPA

It seems UEFA have heard out those arguments, as Barcelona have emitted a statement confirming that their next home European match against Eintracht will take place at Camp Nou.

2.5 years at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys at Montjuic

It looks as if it has brought to an end 2.5 years at Montjuic, with Barcelona playing their last home match in May of 2023 before work on the new stadium began. Their time on the ‘magic mountain’ saw Barcelona win two Liga titles under Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick, with a barren year between them.

Barcelona will no doubt be delighted to get back to Camp Nou though, with the running track and blustery conditions at Montjuic often blamed in part for the lack of atmosphere at the stadium.