Overview
- After 909 days away, Barça hosts Athletic Club under phase 1B with about 45,000 seats open across the main stand, south goal and lateral stands.
- The club will honor its supporters with the ceremonial kick by the oldest attending socio and a staged program featuring Mon DJ, Figa Flawas, the Cor Jove del Orfeó Català and The Tyets with pyrotechnics.
- Coach Hansi Flick confirmed goalkeeper Joan Garcia will start and Raphinha is in the squad, with Pedri held back for next week, Frenkie de Jong suspended and Marcus Rashford listed as doubtful with illness.
- City authorities urge fans to use public transit, boosting L3 and L5 metro service and detailing bus, tram and taxi options, while nearby streets face traffic limits and on‑site parking remains unavailable aside from designated accessibility areas and expanded motorcycle zones.
- The €1.45 billion renovation continues in stages, with capacity slated to rise in a later 1C phase toward roughly 60,000 before a projected 105,000 on completion, and club officials signaling a possible temporary move during roof installation in 2026–27 as some reports place the roof’s finish closer to 2027–28.