Barcelona exploring alternative locations for Champions League knockouts

Barcelona are facing a difficult situation regarding the venue for their upcoming UEFA Champions League matches, with the club currently in search of a solution. 

According to reports from MARCA, the issue is further complicated by the fact that Barcelona will not be able to return to Camp Nou until next season. 

To make matters worse, the team will also be unable to play their Champions League fixtures at the Montjuic stadium beyond the first phase due to prior commitments made by the City Council.

What’s the story?

As it stands, UEFA regulations require Barcelona to play all of their remaining Champions League matches in the same venue. 

This creates two possible scenarios for the club, depending on their performance in the group stages. If Barcelona play in the play-offs for a spot in the round of 16, they will need to finalize their stadium choice before the draw on January 31. 

However, if the team manages to secure a top-eight finish, they will have more time to decide, with a deadline to confirm the venue set for February 21, just before the round of 16 ties begin in early March.

What are the options?

Camp Nou will not be ready in time. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The challenge lies in the uncertainty of whether the Camp Nou will be ready in time. The most viable alternative for Barcelona is the RCDE Stadium in Cornella, home to their rivals Espanyol. 

This 40,000-seater stadium meets all of UEFA’s requirements, but some within the Barcelona hierarchy are hesitant to play in Espanyol’s home ground due to the rivalry between the clubs.

Other potential options include Mestalla in Valencia and the Metropolitano in Madrid. Mestalla, with a capacity of 55,000, is closer to Barcelona, but the Metropolitano, with a larger capacity of 70,000, offers better facilities. 

Discussion with the council

The Barcelona management is currently in discussions, closely monitoring the progress of the Camp Nou renovations. 

The club’s decision will ultimately depend on the team’s progress in the Champions League group stage and which stadium is available to host their remaining fixtures. 

It seems unlikely that the City Council will grant an extension for them to continue playing at Montjuic beyond the first phase, leaving Barcelona with limited options for where to play their European matches.