If they don't face each other in the Champions League first, something that is very likely, Barça and Real Madrid will play the second LaLiga clásico on May 11. Where?
One thing is clear: It won't be at Camp Nou. Safety suggests avoiding unnecessary risks with the influx of the public in a venue that will be upside down.
Barça won't play at Camp Nou until the Gamper in August
Although Laporta's board keeps the question open, Barça won't play at Camp Nou until the next Gamper in August. By then, the old part of the stadium, the first and second tiers, is expected to be finished and ready to host the public.
The works will then continue to complete the third tier and the overhang that will cover one hundred percent of the capacity.
Playing at Camp Nou before the current season ends means putting season ticket holders at risk. And also delaying the pace of the works so they can be completed in August.
With Camp Nou ruled out, there are two options left: Montjuïc or a venue abroad.
In April, the permit requested by FC Barcelona from the City Council expires. But it wouldn't be acceptable for the Barcelona council to go against Barça's interests. And also, for a venue that without the use of the blaugrana club is doomed again to ruin.
The Rolling Stones are not a problem
Meanwhile, the announced Rolling Stones concerts don't have a set date yet and can be adjusted to Barça's needs, which requires the stadium on May 11. That wouldn't be a problem.
The other alternative would be to play in a foreign stadium. Wembley in London and Le Velodrome in Marseille are the main candidates. One for its capacity (80,000 seats) and for the significance it has for Barça having won the European Cup there in 1992 and the Champions League in 2011.
Le Velodrome, in Marseille, has in its favor the 340 kilometers (211 miles) that separate Barcelona from Marseille, a distance similar to Valencia or Zaragoza, which would allow a massive fan displacement.
Playing abroad would have an added cost for FC Barcelona toward its season ticket holders, the 27,000 who continue to pay for their membership. They have paid to see all the League, Cup, and Champions League matches. And they would be deprived of seeing the clásico, the most important match, neither in Montjuïc nor at Camp Nou.
What Florentino says
The club would be forced to participate in travel and accommodation expenses because they have paid in advance to see this match.
The issue is that if playing at Camp Nou is complicated, playing abroad is even more complicated. Therefore, Montjuïc remains the favorite venue to host the clásico.
Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez is experiencing a thaw in his relations with Barça. And he has given Laporta the green light to decide what suits him best. Real Madrid will go to Montjuïc, Camp Nou, Wembley, or wherever they are told, without complaint.
The option of a venue abroad requires Real Madrid's approval. And Laporta has it. Additionally, playing at Wembley, for example, would be an advantage for Real Madrid as they would avoid the hostile atmosphere of Barcelona and enjoy a more neutral field.
Barça tests the Federation
Meanwhile, besides Real Madrid's permission, Barcelona would need the Federation's. But it is openly at odds with it due to the Olmo case and the snub by its president, Rafael Louzán, to Barça's women's team by being absent from the Super Cup final.
The Federation can settle scores with Barça by vetoing a clásico abroad. But it can also seek harmony by giving its approval to a matter that is not seen clearly in Madrid.