Barcelona’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1 will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuic amid ongoing renovation of Camp Nou.
The Camp Nou, which has been undergoing a massive €1.5 billion facelift since June 2023, remains off-limits. And hopes of reopening in time for the new campaign have collapsed, leaving the Catalan giants scrambling for alternative venues.
Read: Barcelona to host first home match of the season at 6,000-capacity ground amid Camp Nou delays
Over the past two season, Barcelona have played their home games in Montjuic, which has just over half of their iconic 99,000-seater cathedral.
Barcelona initially tried to delay the problem by asking UEFA to let them play their opening group match away from home. That wish was granted but the reprieve was short-lived.
Champions League rules are clear: under Article 25.08, clubs are expected to play all their home matches in the same venue. UEFA does have some flexibility, but any mid-season switch would almost certainly only be allowed between the group phase and the knockouts in February 2026. In other words, Barca need to pick a home and stick with it.
The original dream was to unveil the shiny new Camp Nou with the Joan Gamper Trophy in August. That date came and went, with the match hastily moved to Johan Cruyff stadium instead.
For the Champions League, the Olímpic Lluís Companys is the only realistic choice. The stadium is a 55,000 capacity and has already become Barça’s “home away from home.”
It is unclear if the Barcelona will choose either the Olímpic Lluís Companys or the Johan Cruyff stadium as it home ground for the UCL. For UEFA, another reprieve is unlikely.
DC is a sport reporting platform crafted to dish out reliable updates on sporting activities worldwide.
