Barcelona to get approval for 6,000-seater stadium to host home match against Valencia with long-awaited Camp Nou return unlikely

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are preparing to host Valencia in La Liga at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, which has a capacity of just 6,000. The move comes after the Montjuic Stadium was ruled out due to a scheduled Post Malone concert two days before the September 14 clash and the Camp Nou still has not been cleared to reopen. La Liga have approved the Johan Cruyff Stadium as long as all conditions are met, including security, access, press area, and temporary VAR installation.

Barca's stadium situation remains complicated as they continue to wait for the Camp Nou’s reopening. The Johan Cruyff Stadium, typically used for Barca Femini and La Masia games, is now set to host a senior La Liga fixture, a significant downgrade from Montjuic’s 55,000 capacity. The Catalan giants also ruled out alternatives such as Girona’s Montilivi Stadium, while La Liga would not accept proposals to swap the fixture order with Mestalla, Valencia's stadium. The matchday four clash against Valencia will mark another test of flexibility as the club continue navigating their temporary exile.

La Liga granted Barcelona's special request to start their season with three straight away games so that they could get Camp Nou ready for a grand reopening in their first home match of the campaign. While that plan has not been fully ruled out, it seems increasingly unlikely amid licensing issues.

La Liga’s Commission will check if the Johan Cruyff ground meets all requirements before final approval. VAR technology could be exceptionally installed if Barcelona request it in time. Despite the reduced capacity, La Liga has no objections as long as logistics are covered. Barca are expected to officially request the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the coming days. Once La Liga’s Commission confirms its readiness, the Valencia clash will take place there on September 14.

After their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Levante, Barcelona now turn their attention to Rayo Vallecano this weekend. The Blaugrana fans will have to wait longer for a Camp Nou return, as the famous ground’s reopening remains delayed.