As the 2025/26 football season approaches, FC Barcelona faces a significant logistical challenge that could affect their domestic and European campaigns.
The club is reconsidering its planned return to the Spotify Camp Nou due to ongoing construction delays.
Originally, Barcelona aimed to inaugurate the new season with a symbolic return to their iconic stadium, aligning it with the progress of its extensive renovation. However, the redevelopment has fallen behind schedule, with structural issues, incomplete spectator areas, and safety concerns casting doubt on its readiness.
Reports suggest that despite an ambitious construction timeline, the stadium may not meet UEFA and La Liga requirements by the proposed reopening.
This has led the club to explore the possibility of extending their stay at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc), potentially through November or beyond, depending on the pace of progress.
The situation becomes more complex due to UEFA regulations, which require that all Champions League group stage matches be held at the same stadium.
If Camp Nou is not ready in time for Barcelona’s first European home fixture, the team will be obliged to play the entire group stage at Montjuïc.
This limitation could significantly impact the club financially and competitively, as Champions League matches at Camp Nou traditionally bring in substantial revenue and generate an intense home atmosphere.
Montjuïc, with a capacity of under 55,000 compared to Camp Nou’s planned 105,000, cannot offer the same scale of experience for fans or sponsors.
For head coach Hansi Flick, this uncertainty presents additional complication.
Establishing momentum at the start of the season is crucial, and doing so without a stable home environment may hinder his efforts to implement tactical consistency and motivate the team.
Montjuïc’s unfamiliarity and lower fan engagement could further reduce the home advantage.
Meanwhile, club president Joan Laporta and his leadership team face mounting pressure.
A delayed return to Camp Nou would not only disappoint fans but also raise concerns over transparency, missed deadlines, and the cost of the ambitious stadium overhaul.
The board must now make a swift and strategic decision, balancing the expectations of supporters with the practical realities of construction delays.
With both La Liga and Champions League campaigns just weeks away, an official announcement regarding Barcelona’s stadium plans is expected soon, as the club must finalize its venue to meet regulatory and logistical obligations.
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