The match between FC Barcelona and Valencia on September 14 still doesn't have a confirmed venue. The situation has sparked an intense debate around the blaugrana club, which needs to define the setting for one of the most desired matches at the start of the season.
The only thing that can already be confirmed is that the clash won't be played at Cornellà-El Prat. Barça will never ask Espanyol to lend it its stadium. That option is completely ruled out and the club is more than clear about it.
It would be the simplest solution. A nearby venue with significant capacity. But Laporta will never ask Espanyol for that favor.
It prefers the options of Valencia, Girona, or Zaragoza. Any of them before Cornellà.
Girona, first alternative
The first possibility that the blaugrana board has put forward is Montilivi. Girona's stadium, with fewer than 15,000 seats, doesn't offer even half the capacity that Cornellà could have, but Barça doesn't hesitate. It prefers to travel more than 62 mi. (100 km) rather than consider an approach with the Blanquiazul club.
Girona is, at this moment, the most feasible option, although with clear economic and logistical limitations. Barça accepts the sacrifice in order to keep its stance against Espanyol intact.
Olímpic Lluís Companys, another possibility
The second alternative is to return to Montjuïc, even though the schedule and previous commitments complicate the venue's availability. The Olímpic stadium has become an alternative venue during Camp Nou renovations. Its constant use creates friction due to wear and tear on the facility and organizational problems.
Even so, the club isn't ruling out insisting on this venue if the Montilivi option doesn't ultimately succeed.
Valencia, Madrid, and Zaragoza on the list
Another option under consideration is to take the match out of Catalonia. In Valencia, Mestalla could host the clash, which would have a major media impact. However, La Liga prohibits Barça's proposal to change the order of the matches and play in Valencia as the away team.
LaLiga believes that the composition would be distorted. Barça would start the season with a glut of away matches and finish it with more home matches than its rivals.
In Madrid, the Metropolitano appears as an available venue. It would be a striking image to see Barça play as the home team at Atlético's ground. It's an option with more symbolism than real possibilities.
Finally, La Romareda in Zaragoza has also been considered. Its capacity, close to 38,000 spectators (35,000), makes it an attractive stadium to guarantee a good turnout and atmosphere.
Johan Cruyff, with a capacity for 7,100 spectators (6,500), is ruled out, as it doesn't meet the capacity limits set by LaLiga.
Cornellà, an unbreakable veto
The conclusion is clear: Barça will play anywhere except Cornellà. The wound with Espanyol remains open and no one on the blaugrana board is considering asking for that favor. For the blaugrana club, it would be a step back in a historic rivalry.
On September 14, Barça will be the home team... but at a venue yet to be determined. Only one thing is certain: Cornellà isn't on the map.