Barcelona’s preparations for a historic week have been gathering pace, with the club enjoying a series of positive developments on and off the pitch.
The past few weeks have seen progress across multiple fronts, from infrastructure upgrades to fan engagement, as the club ramps up ahead of crucial fixtures.
Supporters have watched eagerly as renovations and licensing milestones bring them closer to a long-awaited return to Europe’s biggest nights at home.
Behind the scenes, coordination between club officials, city authorities, and UEFA has intensified to ensure that logistical hurdles are overcome in time for December’s key matches.
With momentum building, the stage was set for a major announcement that would signal the Camp Nou’s full return to European football action.
According to Mundo Deportivo, UEFA has officially approved Barcelona’s request to host their Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, December 9, at the Spotify Camp Nou, rather than the Estadi Olimpic.
This marks a historic moment for the Catalan giants, as it will be the first Champions League match at the Spotify Camp Nou in 1,140 days, following the painful 0-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in October 2022.
Supporters will finally experience a European night at their true home once again, with the fixture carrying extra emotional weight after years of exile at Montjuic due to ongoing renovations.
The key obstacle had been Article 25.08 of UEFA’s regulations, which generally prevents clubs from changing stadiums during the group stage.
Barcelona argued that their appeal was in line with the spirit of the rule, emphasising that the move was purely to return home, not to gain a competitive advantage.
UEFA accepted the argument, granting the club permission after months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
The strong relationship between Barcelona president Joan Laporta and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin played a role, as it had previously enabled Barca to start the 2025-26 Champions League campaign away from home.
This week’s positive developments were boosted further when Barcelona received the First Occupancy Licence from the City Council under phase 1B, allowing the reopening of the Lateral stand, which will welcome fans for the upcoming match against Athletic Club.
UEFA required two operational guarantees: a live audience for broadcast purposes and a 5% allocated away section, both of which were satisfied in the club’s submission.
Final inspections are scheduled for November 29 during the Alaves match, ensuring the stadium is fully operational before the Champions League return.
With approval now official, Camp Nou is set to host European football once again, ending years of exile and signalling an emotional return for both the club and its supporters.
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