The start of the season already has a definitive location for Barça. It won't be at Montjuïc. Nor at Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Against all odds, FC Barcelona will be able to kick off the new league against Valencia at Spotify Camp Nou. Barcelona City Council has already given its final approval for the club to play the first official match of the season there.
The date is marked in red on Joan Laporta's calendar. It will be August 18, the day when the Culers will return to the temple of Barcelona fandom after almost two years of construction. The return will happen on time, even though just a few weeks ago the club considered playing the league debut at Ciutat Esportiva as a precaution.
The most desired approval for Laporta
Laporta's obsession was clear: to avoid at all costs having the first match played outside Camp Nou. He considered it a symbolic failure not to return home at the start of the season after two years of exile.
That's why the club rushed all deadlines with the construction company. The safety reports were submitted on time and, finally, the City Council has given the green light. The construction continues, but the stadium meets the conditions to safely welcome the public.
However, 100% of the capacity can't be used. Camp Nou will open at 60% of its capacity during the first weeks. It will start with 30,000 and end with 60,000 spectators, which already represents a huge leap compared to the Montjuïc period.
The emotional factor also counts
The return to Camp Nou isn't just logistical. It will also be a morale boost for the team and the fans.
Hansi Flick will make his debut as Barça coach in the stadium where so many legends have written their history. He'll do so with a highly demanding match against Valencia.
Returning home means regaining the energy that the stands used to transmit. The players will once again feel supported.
The club will be able to start generating revenue normally. All this in the middle of a key season for the club's economic and institutional future.
Laporta has achieved it. The return already has a date. The best part is that there won't be any more steps back.
Barça is settling back into its home. This time, to stay.