Barcelona secure backup venue for Valencia clash amid Camp Nou uncertainty | OneFootball

The upcoming league fixture between Barcelona and Valencia has become one of the most talked-about matches in recent weeks – not so much for the football itself, but for the venue where it will be played.

Initially, this encounter was meant to mark the Blaugrana’s long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou after two years. However, uncertainty remains, and Barcelona are now weighing up alternative solutions.

The club’s priority continues to be exhausting every possible avenue to host the match, their first home game of the 2025/26 La Liga, at the renovated Camp Nou.

But Barça have yet to secure the Final Works Certificate for Phase 1A of the redevelopment, which would permit an initial capacity of 27,000 spectators.

Once that document is obtained, it must then be submitted to the Barcelona City Council, who would inspect the stadium and decide whether to issue the First Occupancy Licence.

Depending on how quickly these processes move, Joan Laporta’s board intend to confirm the chosen venue to La Liga by late this week or, at the very latest, the start of next week.

Estadi Johan Cruyff secured as backup

Barcelona had already secured the availability of the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys until February thanks to an agreement with Barcelona Serveis Municipals (BSM). However, a Post Malone concert is set for 12 September, making it impossible to use it for the Valencia game.

As such, SPORT reports that the leading alternative is Estadi Johan Cruyff, located at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper facilities.

Barcelona could play again at Estadi Johan Cruyff. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The stadium is used by the Blaugrana’s reserve team, Barça Atletic, as well as the club’s Femeni team. But, it appears that the Catalans have ensured that the stadium will be free for use on 14 September for the Valencia game.

Indeed, Liga F confirmed fixtures today for their third round: Pere Romeu’s Femeni side will host DUX Logrono at Estadi Johan Cruyff on Friday, 12 September at 20:00.

This would give the club valuable time to prepare the venue and pitch for the men’s clash two days later.

Adjustments needed

Although the stadium already has the ‘low-cost’ VAR system used in Liga F and the Women’s Champions League, additional cameras would need to be installed to meet La Liga requirements, including those for semi-automatic offside technology.

For this reason, La Liga has asked to be informed as early as possible so logistical preparations can be made in good time.

On the issue of capacity, the league will not stand in the way. LaLiga regulations usually stipulate a minimum of 8,000 seats, while Estadi Johan Cruyff holds just 6,000.

But given the exceptional nature of the situation, no sanctions or obstacles will be applied. Barcelona have not considered expanding the stadium’s capacity, as doing so would require significant construction works incompatible with its roofed structure.