Why Barcelona are scrambling to find alternative venue to host rivals Real Madrid in May as Wembley tipped to stage crucial El Clasico - explained

The Catalans are playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys this season but had been hoping to return to their famous Camp Nou home in 2025 following renovation work. However, the project has been hit by delays and may not be ready until the 2025-26 campaign. Barca will also be forced to move out of their temporary home at Montjuic in April as their contract expires and other events are scheduled to take place in the stadium, meaning the Catalans may need to find an alternative venue for their last two home games and a potential Champions League semi-final, according to theDaily Mail.

The Catalan club are now looking at potential alternatives and will discuss options this week. One venue in the running is Wembley Stadium as it ticks plenty of boxes. The stadium has a 90,000 capacity and holds a special place in Barca hearts as it is the scene of their 1992 European Cup final triumph as well as their 2011 Champions League win over Manchester United. La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation are said to be willing to "look favourably" on Barca moving their final home games to England.

Barcelona have already beaten Real Madrid twice this season. Hansi Flick's side ran out 4-0 winners at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga and followed that up with a 5-2 win in the final of the Spanish Super Cup in January.

Barcelona's next Clasico is schedule for May 11, giving the club time to find an alternative venue. Meanwhile, Flick's men are back in action in midweek against Atalanta in the Champions League. The Catalan club have already booked their place in the last 16 of the competition.