Barcelona eye Sevilla clash as target to welcome 62,000 fans to Camp Nou | OneFootball

Barcelona’s push to increase Spotify Camp Nou’s capacity before the crucial Copa del Rey semi-final second leg has suffered a setback. 

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, it has come to light that the club will not receive the First Occupancy Licence (phase 1C) in time for the clash against Atletico Madrid.

The highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Tuesday, will therefore take place without the hoped-for expansion to 62,000 spectators. 

Barcelona had been working closely with the City Council to secure approval for the North Stand under phase 1C of the stadium redevelopment. 

However, administrative procedures have not been finalised in time.

So what now?

As a result of this development, the capacity for the match will remain capped at 45,401 supporters. 

Notably, that limitation comes at a delicate moment, as Barça are attempting to overturn a heavy 4-0 deficit from the first leg at the Metropolitano, making the home atmosphere even more important.

Barcelona will host Atletico Madrid without additional fans. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Now, the new objective is to have the licence approved before the La Liga fixture against Sevilla, scheduled for mid-March. 

Depending on UEFA scheduling for the Champions League round of 16 second leg, the Sevilla match could be played either on Saturday or Sunday. 

Barcelona are hopeful that by then, capacity can be expanded to 62,000, providing a stronger matchday environment as the team competes on multiple fronts.

The report also mentions that, beyond the licence issue, Barcelona are also working on enhancing the stadium atmosphere. 

While approval for the Grada d’Animacio in the lower section of the South Stand is being processed separately, the club has been in discussions with organised fan groups. 

The goal is to position them in a way that maximises vocal support within the stadium during the comeback attempt.