Barca's domestic opener delayed, forced to play at Johan Cruyff Stadium

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-10 06:19:56 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-19 23:38:10

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 8

---

Barcelona may miss the first matchday of La Liga this season as the ongoing renovations at the Camp Nou stadium won't be finished before the deadline. The Blaugrana were hoping to have the stadium ready for the start of the season, but delays have forced them to find an alternate solution, and it remains to be seen if they will be ready for the first matchday on August 12.

Barcelona played the previous season at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, located in the city of Tarrasa, but it was initially denied a license to protect the smaller venue from more prominent crowds and matches. However, after delays forced their hand, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved a license for the stadium to host Barca's home matches until Camp Nou is ready.

The Camp Nou was supposed to be ready back in June during the FIFA World Cup, but the club announced in May that the date would be pushed back nine months, with the stadium now set to be ready in Q1 of 2023. The announcement by the RFEF is excellent news for Barcelona, as they plan to open the upcoming campaign at home against a yet-to-be-determined opponent on August 12. The venue is also set to host the Copa del Rey final on April 22, 2023.

The club had hoped to mark the opening of the renovated stadium with a friendly match against Manchester City on July 30, but that will no longer be possible as the venue won't be ready in time.

Go!