Barcelona prepares Johan Cruyff Stadium as a backup if Camp Nou fails inspection

Decision on Valencia clash set for September 1; only part of Camp Nou could reopen

Camp Nou or Plan B?

Barcelona faces a decisive week regarding their long-awaited return to Camp Nou. According to Mundo Deportivo, the club will learn on Monday, September 1, whether authorities will approve the stadium to host the LaLiga match against Valencia on September 14.

Although confident of playing at their historic home, Barça has already drawn up a plan B: the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which was used for the Joan Gamper Trophy earlier this summer.

Capacity restrictions and exceptions

LaLiga requires a minimum capacity of 8,000 seats for official matches. The Johan Cruyff Stadium only holds 6,000, but an exception would be granted if Camp Nou is not cleared in time.

Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to push for authorization to open 27,000 seats at Camp Nou (Tribuna and Gol Sur sections) while renovation works progress.

Pending issues at Camp Nou

Inspections carried out on August 25 highlighted shortcomings in signage, external lighting, and emergency exits. The next review will determine if the stadium can partially reopen.

The renovation project, budgeted at €1.5 billion (R$9 billion), aims to expand capacity from 99,000 to 106,000 seats and modernize Europe’s largest stadium.

Team form ahead of decision

Barcelona will visit Rayo Vallecano on August 31, looking to maintain a perfect start to the LaLiga season. Hansi Flick’s side recently beat Levante 3-2 away, extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches, including preseason friendlies.