Barcelona’s Camp Nou countdown begins: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford brace for UEFA’s deadline
The clock is ticking for Barcelona, and the stakes could not be higher. Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford, some of Europe’s most electrifying stars, are on high alert as UEFA has confirmed a critical Champions League deadline for the club’s return to its historic home, the Spotify Camp Nou.
The iconic stadium, which has been under extensive renovation for over two years, is the centerpiece of Barcelona’s future ambitions both on and off the pitch. But with the new La Liga season already underway, uncertainty looms over whether the team will be able to host their European fixtures under the Camp Nou lights or be forced to stage them elsewhere.
Barca’s return to its beloved home ground has been a saga marked by optimistic targets, missed deadlines, and phased reopening plans. The club initially aimed for a November 2024 comeback, but that goal quickly proved unrealistic. February and May 2025 also came and went without success.
The latest plan, and perhaps the most cautious, has targeted a reopening for the weekend of September 13-14, when Valencia is due to visit in La Liga. However, this reopening will be partial, beginning with just 30,000 seats available — far fewer than the original goal of 60,000.
The first phase will see the Main Stand and South Goal open, accommodating around 27,000 fans. A second phase will follow for Champions League matches, raising capacity to around 45,000, before eventually hitting 60,000 sometime in 2025.
UEFA forced to step in
The most pressing issue now is UEFA’s requirement for a confirmed home ground for the Champions League group stage. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, UEFA has told Barcelona it must declare whether the Camp Nou will be ready by August 28 — the same day as the group stage draw.
“UEFA regulations stipulate teams must play all their four first-round matches in the same stadium,” the report explains. Suppose the Blaugrana cannot guarantee the stadium’s readiness. In that case, they will be forced to designate an alternative venue for the entirety of the group stage — a move the club is desperate to avoid. This makes the August 28 deadline a pivotal moment in Barcelona’s season before a single European ball has even been kicked.