Barcelona target Villarreal clash for opening of new Camp Nou stand – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s Spotify Camp Nou project continues to move forward, and the club is now focused on the next important step – opening the Gol Nord section. 

The development is seen as a key milestone in the gradual return to full capacity at the iconic stadium.

According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the club is still waiting for the crucial 1C permit from the Barcelona City Council. 

This authorisation is necessary before the new stand can be opened to the public, and it has become one of the most talked-about issues around the stadium project in recent weeks.

A renewed timeline

The permit has faced several delays, mainly due to administrative and technical details. 

However, recent reports suggest that approval could finally arrive in time for Barcelona’s home match against Villarreal, which is on February 28. 

That game is now being seen as the most realistic target for the opening of the Gol Nord section.

Before that, Barcelona are scheduled to face Levante at home on February 22. 

Barcelona are working on receiving the 1C permit. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Despite hopes of accelerating the process, the available information indicates that the permit is unlikely to be ready in time for that fixture. 

As a result, the club is now focusing on the Villarreal game as the key date.

Crucial time for Barcelona

As such, the timing could work well for Barcelona’s calendar. 

This is because if the Gol Nord stand is opened for the Villarreal match, it would also allow the club to use the new section just a few days later for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid on March 3. 

That match is expected to draw a large crowd, making the additional capacity particularly valuable.

It is said that the delay in the permit process was caused by a misunderstanding over stadium exit arrangements. 

City Council technicians requested that extra doors be available to open if required, while Barcelona initially believed those exits had to be permanently staffed with personnel. 

Once that confusion was clarified, the process began moving forward again.