No Camp Nou return for Barcelona vs Real Sociedad as game to be held at Montjuic – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were planning for a return to their home ground, Spotify Camp Nou, next weekend when they host Real Sociedad in La Liga.

After having pushed forward the return date from 10 August (Gamper Trophy vs Como) to 14 September (La Liga vs Valencia), only for the plan to be foiled, Barça were hoping the reopening of their redeveloped stadium could take place on 28 September.

Reports earlier this week indicated that the Blaugrana were confident of securing the First Occupancy Licence from the City Council, allowing them to return to the stadium with a reduced capacity of 27,000.

No Camp Nou return vs Sociedad

However, now, according to Mundo Deportivo, the match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad is almost certain to take place at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic and not at Camp Nou.

Despite recent optimism, the reality is that Barcelona have not yet obtained the Final Construction Certificate.

This document is essential for the City Council of Barcelona to grant the First Occupancy Licence, without which the stadium cannot be used.

As such, the return to Camp Nou is unlikely to happen on 28 September, and fans and players will have to wait longer for the reopening of the stadium.

Montjuic Stadium the likely venue

Barcelona likely to play Sociedad game at Montjuic Stadium. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona hosted Valencia at Estadi Johan Cruyff last weekend and will again play at the same venue this Sunday against Getafe.

However, the Real Sociedad fixture is unlikely to be held there, with Barça leaning towards Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Playing at Estadi Johan Cruyff would require another special exemption from La Liga, as it would be the third match hosted there this season, and its 6,000-seat capacity is below the minimum requirement of 8,000.

With the Montjuic Stadium available now and pitch relaying work already underway since Thursday, so as to get the venue ready for Barcelona vs PSG on 1 October, the Catalans see it as the most practical option to host the Sociedad fixture as well.

Barça consider it preferable to prioritise the Montjuic Stadium’s 50,315 capacity and the resulting higher revenue, especially after two games with minimal attendance.

There will be some logistical issues owing to the Piromusical de la Mercè and the opening dinner of the UNESCO Mondiacult 2025 World Conference taking place in Montjuic.

But, as things stand, everything indicates that Barcelona vs Real Sociedad will be played at the Montjuic Stadium.