A definitive date for returning to Spotify Camp Nou has yet to be established. While the board remains hopeful of hosting El Clásico at their home stadium, they are simultaneously preparing a Plan B due to the inability to extend their stay at Montjuïc.

Three away games might not be enough

According to the latest information from Relevo, the club could face challenges returning to Spotify Camp Nou even at the start of the 2025/2026 season. Under the initial plans, the fourth phase of the renovation, which includes installing the roof, is scheduled to begin in June. Early estimates suggested the work would be completed by October at the latest. However, delays, which are common with projects of this scale, might impact the start of the next campaign. It’s been known for some time that FC Barcelona will request permission from La Liga to play their first three games of the new season away from home to buy more time. Still, there is a risk that Barça could be forced to play an even larger number of matches away from Camp Nou in the upcoming season. In such a scenario, Montjuïc would once again serve as the alternative venue.

Further schedule changes are possible

The roof installation must take place during the summer as it requires approximately three months of work. The process involves preparing wiring on the pitch and lifting the roof structure into place. To begin, the outer framework needs to be raised to street level, and the entire metal structure completed. Construction outside the stadium is reportedly progressing on schedule. As a result, the club and Limak had planned to carry out this phase between May and August, during the off-season. If delays occur, Barça might need to start the new season with away matches. In the worst-case scenario, the roof installation could be postponed to summer 2026. The construction of the stadium's third tier can continue concurrently with matches, as it is independent of the roof.

Once the fourth phase is complete, the fifth phase will begin – the finalization of the roof. This stage is expected to last until March 2026. During this time, matches will take place alongside construction work, which includes installing the roof membrane, solar panels, and finalizing lighting and sound systems. Limak aims to hand over the completed stadium by June or July 2026.

© Alecaom

Will it go without penalties?

According to the latest reports, Joan Laporta has decided not to impose massive financial penalties on the company responsible for the stadium's renovation. Under the original contract terms, the penalty would amount to €145 million if the team, managed by Hans Flick, fails to return to Camp Nou by April 23, the set deadline. If the return is delayed further, to Sunday, May 11, when El Clásico is scheduled, the penalty could rise to €163 million. Nevertheless, it seems that Laporta has adopted a more flexible stance and suggests that the sanction will not be imposed.