Barcelona has made an important decision regarding their stadium plans for the 2025/26 season. With the massive renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou still underway, uncertainty remains over whether UEFA will grant approval for the venue to host official matches, particularly in the Champions League. To avoid potential complications, the club has announced that they will use Estadi Montilivi, the home ground of Girona FC, as their temporary base if UEFA does not give the green light for Camp Nou.
This decision reflects Barcelona’s determination to remain fully prepared for all scenarios as construction continues on their historic home. The Espai Barça project, one of the most ambitious stadium redevelopments in Europe, is transforming the Camp Nou into a modern sporting arena with increased capacity, upgraded facilities, and state-of-the-art technology. However, with such a large-scale project comes strict safety inspections and UEFA requirements that must be met before the ground can host major competitions. The club cannot afford to take risks, especially with the Champions League on the line.
Estadi Montilivi, though significantly smaller than Camp Nou, provides a practical and reliable alternative. Located in Girona, only about an hour from Barcelona, the stadium meets UEFA’s standards and offers a modern environment for both domestic and international matches. While its capacity is far more limited, the choice ensures that the team has a stable venue where they can continue competing at the highest level without disruption. Additionally, this arrangement could strengthen the growing relationship between Barcelona and Girona, two Catalan clubs with increasing visibility in La Liga.
For supporters, however, this shift could bring challenges. Tickets will be much harder to secure due to the smaller seating capacity, and the matchday experience will be different from the iconic atmosphere of Camp Nou. Despite this, the decision shows the club’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge while balancing the logistical realities of such a massive stadium transformation. Ultimately, Barcelona’s move to designate Montilivi as a backup option highlights the careful planning and foresight required to navigate a period of transition while safeguarding their ambitions on both domestic and European fronts.
