Barcelona haven't played at the Camp Nou since 2023, instead hosting fixtures at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. Earlier this week, the club announced that their clash with Athletic Club would be at their iconic ground as fans eagerly awaited for news about their European game.
UEFA granted the club special permission to switch venues mid-competition, and the club announced the news on Wednesday morning.
“FC Barcelona announces that the sixth match of the Champions League phase, scheduled for Tuesday, December 9 at 9:00 p.m., against Eintracht Frankfurt, will be played at the Spotify Camp Nou,” the statement read.
“This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license for Phase 1B, which allows for an increased capacity and includes the entire Lateral area, adding to the already granted license for Phase 1A — covering the Main Stand and South Goal — and takes effect after UEFA accepted the request, considering that all necessary requirements have been met.”
It marks the first Champions League fixture played at the Camp Nou in 1,140 days in what has been a busy time for the iconic ground, which is undergoing a £1.3BN renovation project.
UEFA required two operational guarantees: a live audience for the televised match and a properly allocated away section representing 5% of the total capacity. Reports clarify that inspectors will still be present at the venue on November 29th, for the match against Alaves to evaluate the stadium in action and confirm all practical details.
Winger Marcus Rashford will be delighted by the decision, as he spoke earlier this season about how it is his dream to play in such a historic ground.
"It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable. Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."