A recent report by Tot Costa has indicated that Barcelona are considering hosting their first La Liga home match of the 2025/26 season against Valencia at the much smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff (6,000...
A recent report by Tot Costa has indicated that Barcelona are considering hosting their first La Liga home match of the 2025/26 season against Valencia at the much smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff (6,000 seats) if the Spotify Camp Nou permit is not ready by mid‑September.
Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou has faced repeated setbacks due to delays in securing the first occupancy permit from the Barcelona City Council.
Although the club officially planned to host the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy on 10 August 2025, those plans have been dropped entirely since the necessary permits could not be obtained by then.
In late July, Barçacarried out technical and operational tests over zones like the tribune and the south goal area.
The drills involved safety systems (lighting, sound, fire alarms, evacuation, signage) to prepare for a partial re-opening at about 60% capacity (62,000 seats) on 14 September vs. Valencia.
The new stadium is not operation-ready
Barcelona might not play their first la Liga home game at Spotify Camp Nou. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Furthermore, the pitch was laid on 29 July 2025, marking a significant milestone, though final licensing remains pending.
Renovations continue, especially on the third tier, roof and VIP areas, which are expected to be completed only by 2026.
Meanwhile, it is to be noted that La Liga has agreed to let Barça play the first four league matches away (August into early September), pushing their home debut to league matchday 4 (13–14 September) vs. Valencia, provided licensing is granted in time.
UEFA has also been asked to allow Barcelona to begin their Champions League campaign away from home, given the stadium situation.
However, after recent developments, it appears that while Barcelona hoped for a partial debut at Camp Nou with 60,000 fans, plan B would be playing in the Johan Cruyff Stadium to avoid any further delays or disruption to the league schedule.
Category: General Sports
