FC Barcelona is currently facing a dilemma regarding the venue for their first home game in the 2025/26 La Liga season.

According to MARCA, it is very likely that the match against Valencia on September 14 will be held at Estadi Johan Cruyff instead of Camp Nou as originally planned.

The reason stems from delays in the renovation progress of Camp Nou. Although Barcelona planned to open the stadium with limited capacity to welcome fans back, the safety inspection by the city council may not be approved. If Camp Nou fails to meet safety standards, the Catalan club will have to find a temporary alternative solution.

The most feasible option currently is Estadi Johan Cruyff, located within the club’s Ciutat Esportiva complex. This is also where Barcelona held the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como on August 10. La Liga representatives have inspected the facilities and assessed that the venue can meet the minimum requirements to host an official match.

However, the biggest issue is the capacity. Estadi Johan Cruyff only holds 6,000 spectators, which is far below the minimum 15,000 seats required by La Liga for a top-tier Spanish league stadium. Barcelona plans to request an exception from the league organizers, arguing that this is only a temporary measure and the match against Valencia will be the only one held there.

Additionally, the Catalan club will need to install the VAR camera system and referee support equipment according to La Liga standards, since Johan Cruyff stadium currently lacks these systems. Barcelona is confident that if La Liga gives approval, they will complete the installation before the match day.

Another option considered is Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys (Montjuic), which Barcelona has rented as their home ground for the past two seasons. However, this plan is not feasible because Montjuic stadium has already been booked for a Post Malone concert on the same date as the match.

If Camp Nou is still not ready for the next match against Getafe, Barcelona might return to Montjuic. However, the home opener against Valencia will almost certainly take place at Estadi Johan Cruyff unless the parties involved find another solution soon.

Barcelona is scheduled to have an important meeting with the Barcelona city council to officially determine the match venue. Nevertheless, according to close sources, it is highly likely that fans will witness a special game at Johan Cruyff stadium while Camp Nou’s renovation remains unfinished.