- Barcelona will not return to Camp Nou this season due to construction delays
- The El Clásico in May will likely be played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
- Full stadium construction is now prioritised, with the roof scheduled for summer 2026
Key Takeaways:
Barcelona will not return to their home stadium, Camp Nou, before the end of this season, according to Catalan outlet Sport. The renovation of the iconic stadium began in the summer of 2023 but has fallen behind schedule, with progress proving slower than expected. The club initially planned to return in November 2024, later postponing the date to April or May. However, recent reports indicate that this will no longer be possible, and the team will continue playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for the foreseeable future.
🚨 BREAKING: Barcelona will not return to the Spotify Camp Nou this season.
It will be also difficult for Barcelona to return for the start of next season.
— @sport pic.twitter.com/ISQEvveQdI
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 3, 2025
One of the major targets was to stage the May El Clásico against Real Madrid at the new Camp Nou, but with work delayed, the high-profile fixture will almost certainly take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Barcelona originally intended to return to the redeveloped stadium with a reduced capacity of 60,000 spectators while construction continued. However, the club has since decided to prioritise completing the full structure before reopening, with the final phase, including the roof installation, scheduled for the summer of 2026.
As a result, Barcelona’s stay at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is set to be extended, with fans waiting longer than expected to return to their renovated home.
Barcelona had hoped to host Real Madrid at the new stadium for the El Clásico in May, but the construction delays mean the big derby will likely take place once again at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where Barça are playing their home matches this season.
The original plan was for Barcelona to return to Camp Nou with a reduced capacity of 60,000 spectators. However, the decision was later made to complete the full structure, leaving the roof construction for the summer of 2026.