Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10

After suffering several delays since beginning in 2023, the project dubbed ‘Espai Barca’ is due to finish in the summer of 2026 and boost the Camp Nou’s capacity to 105,000. (AFP)
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Updated 25 June 2025
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Barcelona announce Camp Nou return for August 10

  • The traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match will only mark the stadium’s partial reopening
  • Barca will have another month to continue work on the new Camp Nou stadium

BARCELONA: Barcelona announced on Wednesday their long-awaited return to the new Camp Nou for an August 10 friendly after years of work to expand and modernize the iconic stadium.

The traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy match will only mark the stadium’s partial reopening, with construction work continuing in various areas, the current Spanish champions said in a statement.

This includes the completion of the new third tier, the dual VIP ring, the roof installation, interior spaces and development of the stadium’s surrounding area.

The Catalan giants have not confirmed the initial capacity, but local media reported that the available stands can hold 35,000 fans.

“Barcelona takes a symbolic and emotional step into the future, reclaiming its home in a new era that will culminate with the complete inauguration of the new stadium,” the club said.

Barca will have another month to continue work on the stadium after requesting to play their first three La Liga games of the upcoming season away from home.

After suffering several delays since beginning in 2023, the project dubbed “Espai Barca” is due to finish in the summer of 2026 and boost the Camp Nou’s capacity to 105,000.

Barcelona have in the meantime played their home games at the smaller Montjuic Olympic stadium.


Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Southampton’s stunning fightback leaves Leicester in turmoil

LONDON: Southampton made an incredible late comeback from three goals down to beat crisis club Leicester 4-3 in the Championship on Tuesday.
Leicester interim manager Andy King looked set for his first victory since taking charge after first-half goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka and Abdul Fatawu at the King Power Stadium.
But Southampton substitute Ross Stewart reduced the deficit in the 61st minute to spark the astonishing revival.
Leicester’s brittle confidence was exposed as Jack Stephens netted in the 82nd minute and Ryan Manning equalized five minutes later.
Shea Charles struck six minutes into stoppage time to snatch the points for Southampton in dramatic fashion, leaving King’s shell-shocked side without a win in six games.
Seven years after thrashing Southampton 9-0 at St. Mary’s, Leicester hit a devastating low of their own against the Saints.
Still searching for a permanent manager following Marti Cifuentes’ sacking, Leicester are outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
The Foxes were recently deducted six points by the Football League for breaches of financial regulations.
Birmingham missed the chance to move into the play-off places after they were held to a 0-0 draw by West Bromwich Albion at St. Andrew’s.
New West Brom boss Eric Ramsay remains winless but claimed a second successive draw to help his side move two points above the relegation zone.
Mohamed Toure hit a hat-trick as Norwich made it five wins from their last six matches with a 3-0 victory at second-bottom Oxford.