Barcelona’s return to the Camp Nou in 2026 was meant to signal clear progress in the stadium’s redevelopment and highlight how far the construction work had come. Instead, it turned into a soggy spectacle no one saw coming.
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Catalan giants welcomed Real Oviedo to their iconic home, marking another step toward their full-time return in 2026. On the pitch, it was business as usual, Barcelona cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory.
But off it, the headlines were stolen by a fierce summer storm that exposed uncomfortable flaws in the newly renovated stadium.
As torrential rain swept across the city in the second half, water began pouring into the stadium’s corridors and concourse areas. Sections of the stands, left partially uncovered, offered little protection from the downpour.
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Fans scrambled for shelter as pooling water gathered beneath their feet, while journalists desperately tried to shield cameras, laptops, and broadcast equipment from the cascading rain.
Even the VIP areas were not spared. In one striking moment, club president Joan Laporta was seen drenched in the stands. What was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming quickly turned into a test of endurance.
Many supporters chose to leave before the final whistle, unable to brave the worsening conditions.
While Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-0 win on the night, the flooding raised fresh questions about the readiness of the revamped Camp Nou.
Watch the video below:
This is a condition of the New Camp Nou, btw 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/zbbk8AdYyd
— Dr Yash (@YashRMFC) January 25, 2026
FKA/JE
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