Barcelona are facing a stadium crisis, with reports emerging that they may need to find an alternative venue to host their Champions League home matches for the remainder of the season. The £1.25 billion Camp Nou renovation project has hit a snag, with the re-opening delayed and the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, their current temporary home, unavailable for European games due to “commitments” with the City Council.
With Camp Nou potentially not ready until next season, Barcelona are exploring alternative options. Valencia’s Mestalla, Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano, and even the stadium of local rivals Espanyol are being considered. However, there is reluctance to play at Espanyol’s Cornella, which has a capacity of 40,000.
Barcelona’s Champions League campaign is crucial in determining their stadium situation. If they finish in the top eight of the group phase, they will secure an automatic passage into the last 16, buying them more time to find a venue. However, if they fail to achieve this, they must finalize their stadium plans before the play-off draw on January 31.
According to reports, Barcelona must select a stadium before February 21, with the last 16 rounds scheduled for March 4 and 11. Hansi Flick’s team is currently second in the group, behind leaders Liverpool, and will need to maintain their strong performance to secure a top-eight finish.
The uncertainty surrounding Barcelona’s stadium situation adds to the pressure on the team, as they navigate a crucial period in their Champions League campaign.
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