Barcelona is evaluating options to take its Champions League knockout matches to different stadiums. The Blaugrana had planned to return to the Camp Nou, but the renovation works are very delayed.
Having planned to return to the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona City Council has organized to host events at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys at the end of the year. It means that if Barcelona reach the latter stages of the Champions League round of 16, Montjuic will not be available, forcing Barcelona to consider other venues, according to Marca. As UEFA does not allow clubs to change phases during the knockout phase or league phase, they will have to stay at the ground of their choice.
La Masia goalkeeper Yaakobishvili has no plans to renew his contract. His contract expires in the summer and he has already moved on to look for a new project. @jordicardero
โ Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 19, 2024
The most obvious alternative is the RCDE Stadium, which belongs to rival Espanyol, and located in Cornellรก, it is the closest option to the city center. The 40,000-seat stadium meets all UEFA requirements, but there are those within the Barcelona hierarchy who do not want to participate in playing at Espanyolโs field.
Your other options are Mestalla in Valencia and the Metropolitano in Madrid. The latter is the largest, with capacity for 70,000 fans, and with the best facilities, but the distance from Barcelona is a problem. It is almost double the distance from Valencia, where Mestalla could receive them.
๐จ JUST IN: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea is the referee for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. pic.twitter.com/KibHvNxsXG
โ Universo Atlรฉtico (@architetturauniverse) December 19, 2024
The decision will not be made soon, as Barcelona will remain hopeful of progress at the Camp Nou that will allow them to return home. At this first stage it appears that they have not consulted with Valencia, Atlรฉtico de Madrid or Espanyol, and would obviously need their permission to host the matches there.