This Saturday’s match is set to be Barcelona’s first home game of the season, yet the venue for the clash against Valencia remains unconfirmed.
Camp Nou has been under renovation since the end of the 2022–23 season, with Barcelona temporarily relocating to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. While the revamped stadium is nearing completion, ongoing construction delays have pushed back the initial plan to reopen in time for the start of the new campaign.
The anticipated new capacity of 105,000 now looks unlikely to be ready for the opener. Still, given this Barcelona board’s track record of pulling off surprises, a last-minute turnaround can’t be ruled out. One thing is certain: a decision must be made very soon.
Decision to be made today
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona City Council is set to carry out a new, though not yet decisive, inspection of the ongoing construction at Spotify Camp Nou. The outcome will determine whether the necessary safety certificates can be issued, allowing Hansi Flick’s side and the Culés faithful to return home. A key part of the decision also hinges on whether the stadium can reopen at full capacity or only partially.
If Camp Nou isn't cleared, the most likely alternative is the Estadi Johan Cruyff, the home of Barça Femení, which holds just 6,000 spectators. That scenario could create a logistical headache for ticket distribution, especially when prioritising club members and loyal season ticket holders. The club is also exploring the option of temporarily returning to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, potentially for the entire month of September.
The upcoming fixtures against Getafe, Real Sociedad, and Paris Saint-Germain will likely follow the same venue decision as the Valencia match. Joan Laporta’s nightmare scenario, a continued delay in returning to Camp Nou, remains a growing frustration from fan, financial, and footballing perspectives.