FC Barcelona confirmed yesterday that they will finally return to the Spotify Camp Nou for their La Liga match against Athletic Club on 22 November. After a long stretch away from their historic home during the first phase of renovation work, the team is set to step onto the pitch for an official match for the first time since May 2023.
The return marks the end of more than two years of playing at Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, a period in which Barcelona secured trophies but still felt the absence of the Camp Nou. The sense of anticipation is even greater within the squad because nine players are preparing for their first-ever appearance at the renovated stadium.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joan Garcia, Marc Bernal, Roony, and Dro Fernandez are all awaiting their Camp Nou debuts.
Most of them have risen to prominence during the team’s stay at Montjuic, while Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia arrived more recently. Casado remains a doubt for the match after experiencing discomfort before the international break, but he is still among those hoping to take part in this memorable occasion.
A few members of the squad are already familiar with the stadium, although only as visitors. Marcus Rashford featured there with Manchester United, and Wojciech Szczesny did so with Juventus. Joan Garcia has also set foot at the Camp Nou when he travelled with Espanyol, although he remained on the bench that day.
The situation of Casado is particularly unique. He made his senior debut during the period when the first team still played at the stadium, but his appearance came in an away game, and at home, he was limited to warming up on the touchline.
The return to the Camp Nou also marks Hansi Flick’s first match at the ground as Barcelona manager. For the nine players experiencing the venue for the first time in a Barcelona shirt, stepping out in front of a full crowd promises to be a surreal and unforgettable moment. The hope now is that the team can celebrate their long-awaited homecoming with a victory over Athletic Club.
