Chaos at Camp Nou as heavy rain floods stands during Barcelona vs Oviedo clash [Video]

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the Camp Nou in 2026 took an unexpected turn as severe weather upstaged events on the pitch during their home clash with Real Oviedo.

The match, billed as a symbolic homecoming after more than a month on the road, was overshadowed by torrential rain that swept across the city in the second half.

The downpour exposed clear shortcomings in the newly renovated stadium, with several sections left uncovered and vulnerable to the elements.

MUST READ: 17 teams banned or disqualified as Senegal’s AFCON title 'could be stripped' after walk-off

Supporters, media personnel, and even VIP guests were visibly affected.

Fans scrambled to avoid pooling water in the stands, while journalists struggled to shield cameras and laptops as rainwater poured from parts of the stadium roof.

In a striking scene, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was seen soaked in the stands, underscoring the scale of the disruption.

READ ALSO: Trent Alexander-Arnold 'urged to leave' by Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa amid struggles in Spain

Rare images circulating online showed water streaming through the structure, flooded seating areas, and spectators using jackets and umbrellas for protection.

For a stadium that has only recently reopened and welcomed close to 45,000 fans, the scenes sparked widespread surprise and criticism.

Many supporters opted to leave before full time, unable to endure the conditions without adequate cover.

The incident served as a sobering reminder that, despite its modernization, the Camp Nou redevelopment remains incomplete.

READ MORE: Walking Off the Pitch: Legal and regulatory implications of Senegal’s AFCON 2025 final protest

After eight consecutive away matches, including fixtures played at neutral venues in Saudi Arabia and more than 40 days without a home game, Barcelona’s return was meant to be celebratory.

Instead, it became an uncomfortable demonstration of the stadium’s unfinished state, with flooding in the stands drawing more attention than the football itself.