Barcelona’s long road back to a full Spotify Camp Nou has been filled with promises, pauses and patience, and now the next breakthrough finally feels close.
The redevelopment has quietly entered a decisive phase, one that could change the matchday atmosphere sooner than many expected.
At the heart of it all sits one stand, one permit and one date circled on the calendar.
Only now is it becoming clear when that moment might arrive.
Barcelona are currently waiting on the all-important 1C permit from the Barcelona City Council, a green light required before the Gol Nord section can officially open to the public.
According to Mundo Deportivo, this approval has become the biggest talking point around the stadium project in recent weeks as anticipation builds.
The permit has been delayed due to administrative and technical issues rather than construction setbacks, frustrating both the club and supporters eager to return in larger numbers.
Those delays were largely caused by confusion over emergency exit arrangements rather than structural concerns.
Once city technicians and club officials aligned on requirements, progress began moving again.
The most realistic target for the opening of Gol Nord is now Barcelona’s home match against Villarreal on February 28.
While the club had hoped to accelerate the process ahead of the Levante fixture on February 22, sources indicate the paperwork will not be ready in time.
As a result, internal planning has shifted fully towards the Villarreal game as the milestone moment.
If approval arrives as expected, it would mark a key step toward restoring the Camp Nou’s full matchday identity.
It would also signal that the stadium project has finally cleared one of its most frustrating hurdles.
The timing could prove ideal for Barcelona’s sporting calendar as well as their long-term vision.
Opening Gol Nord for Villarreal would allow the club to use the section again just days later for the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on March 3.
That fixture is expected to attract a packed house, making every additional seat valuable both financially and atmospherically.
Behind the scenes, officials believe the added crowd presence could provide a tangible lift during a crucial stage of the season.
For a club rebuilding not just a stadium but a sense of home, that matters more than ever.
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