Barcelona is in a race against the clock. It wants Spotify Camp Nou to be ready not only for its debut in LaLiga, but also for the Champions League group stage. The draw will take place this Thursday, August 28, and the club has already informed UEFA of its desire to play the tournament in Les Corts.
The board is clear: returning home in Europe would be a morale boost and a symbol of the new era. However, the decision doesn't depend solely on them.
Direct contact with UEFA
In the next 48 hours, Barça will speak with the highest governing body of European soccer. If it doesn't get the green light, it will have to turn to its "plan B": Montjuïc, its temporary home for the past two seasons.
The club has requested to play its first Champions League match as the away team. UEFA approved this request, which would give almost one more month to finish the construction work. The home debut in Europe would be moved to September 30 or October 1.
The construction phases and the major requirement
Currently, Camp Nou has the Final Construction Certificate (CFO) for phase 1A. This allows the opening of the grandstand and the South Goal, with a capacity of approximately 27,000 spectators. This is enough for LaLiga, but not for UEFA.
UEFA requires at least one side to be operational for television broadcasts. This will only be possible with phase 1B, which will expand the capacity to 45,000 seats. That part doesn't have official validation yet, and the North Goal will be left for phase 1C, the last stage of the renovation.
Alternative plans if it's not ready in time
The club considered the idea of playing against Valencia at Mestalla, on matchday 4 of LaLiga, to gain more time. However, LaLiga rejected that option.
Next Tuesday, August 26, will be key. The City Council will decide whether Camp Nou can reopen for that match. If not, Montjuïc will remain the culé home.
Montjuïc, backup until February
As a precaution, Barça has reached an agreement with Barcelona de Serveis Municipals to extend the license for Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until February. This guarantees a venue for the first part of the season, even for possible decisive matches in the Champions League.
The board knows it can't take risks. Keeping Montjuïc as a backup guarantees a home to compete in Europe, regardless of the progress of the construction work.
Barça wants the European debut of the new Camp Nou to become a reality this fall. However, the schedule, UEFA's requirements, and the pace of construction set the tone. If there's no green light in time, Montjuïc will once again hear the Champions League anthem.