FC Barcelona last played at the Spotify Camp Nou two and a half years ago. Since then, they have used the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys as their temporary home, and the feeling has simply not been the same.
It came as a massive boost when the club announced that they would return to the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday to welcome Athletic Bilbao. It is an important game for Hansi Flick’s team, with much more to it than just the three points.
According to Mundo Deportivo, even as Barcelona prepare for their return to the Camp Nou, they are facing unwarranted criticism about the stadium still being under construction.
Barcelona have received the licence to operate at the Camp Nou with a partial capacity of 45,000. When the construction works are completed, with the summer of 2027 set as the timeline, the capacity is expected to rise to 105,000.
There has been chatter about Barcelona going back to play there despite the works continuing. This, however, is not unprecedented. Other clubs have operated in similar conditions in the past.
When Real Madrid renovated the Bernabéu, they initially returned to the stadium with a partial capacity, much like Barcelona are doing now. There is little basis for the criticism coming the Catalan club’s way.
All this feels like an attempt to dampen the mood surrounding Barcelona’s return to their magnificent home. Nothing will distract fans from the moment, and it will be a special feeling when the team lines up against Athletic Club tomorrow. Let us hope the team marks it with a win and the three points.