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Barcelona Forced to Host PSG at Montjuic as Camp Nou Remains Unavailable

FC Barcelona stadium Camp Nou

Key Takeaways:

  • Barcelona confirmed their match against Paris Saint-Germain on 1 October will take place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, not Camp Nou
  • The announcement was made a day after Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in their Champions League opener
  • Over 27,000 supporters are expected to miss out due to the smaller capacity at Montjuic compared to Camp Nou

Champions League Fixture Relocated Due to Stadium Delays

Barcelona have formally announced that their upcoming Champions League group stage encounter with Paris Saint-Germain on 1 October will not be staged at the refurbished Spotify Camp Nou. Instead, the highly anticipated tie will be played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, which offers a 55,000-seat capacity. The decision, made public just after Barcelona’s 2-1 home win over Newcastle in their opening European fixture, extends the Catalan club’s absence from their renowned home ground due to ongoing delays with building permits and refurbishment works.

Official Club Statement Concerning Venue Change

In a statement issued by the club, FC Barcelona confirmed: “FC Barcelona announces that the second match of the Champions League group stage, scheduled for Wednesday 1 October at 9 p.m. against Paris Saint-Germain, will be played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.” The club highlighted its ongoing efforts to secure the required administrative permissions needed to reopen Camp Nou, and took the opportunity to thank fans and members for their patience throughout this complicated relocation process.

Delays and Logistics Impact Season Plans

The return to Camp Nou has repeatedly been postponed, with recent league fixtures against Valencia and Getafe also relocated – those matches were played at the smaller Estadi Johan Cruyff because the primary venue was not yet available. UEFA’s stadium regulations further prevented European matches from being held at Estadi Johan Cruyff. Despite near completion of refurbishment works by construction company Limak, Barcelona are yet to receive the final completion certificate or the official licence from city officials, keeping the doors of Camp Nou closed for now.

Consequences for Barcelona’s European Campaign

This latest setback means that Barcelona will have to host all of their home fixtures in the Champions League League phase at Montjuic. This represents both a competitive and financial disadvantage, as Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys accommodates more than 27,000 fewer fans compared to the capacity of Camp Nou. The club, however, is maintaining hope that La Liga home matches could return to Camp Nou by the end of September pending the approval processes.

FixtureDateVenueCapacity
Barcelona vs PSG1 OctoberEstadi Olimpic Lluis Companys55,000

Upcoming Fixtures for Barca

Barcelona are back in La Liga action this weekend against Getafe, as off-pitch preparations continue in the hope of welcoming supporters back to their historic home ground in the near future.


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