Barcelona’s opening La Liga home game of the 2025/26 season is set to take place at a surprise venue, as doubts continue over the readiness of the Camp Nou renovation project. Instead of returning to their legendary stadium, Barcelona may face Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
According to reports from MARCA, delays in construction mean Camp Nou might not pass crucial city council safety checks after the September international break. Barcelona had initially hoped to welcome fans back to the iconic ground with a reduced capacity, but those plans are now at risk.
The Estadi Johan Cruyff, located at the Ciutat Esportiva training complex, is emerging as the emergency solution. The venue, with a capacity of just 6,000, hosted the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como earlier in August. While La Liga rules require a minimum capacity of 15,000 for top-flight fixtures, Barça will argue this is a one-off measure due to extraordinary circumstances.
La Liga representatives have already inspected the Johan Cruyff stadium to check its facilities. If approved, Barcelona will install the necessary cameras and technology to ensure VAR is fully operational for the clash with Valencia on September 13 or 14.
Meanwhile, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, which served as Barcelona’s temporary home for the past two seasons, is unavailable for the Valencia fixture because of a Post Malone concert.
Should the Camp Nou renovations still not be completed in time for the following home match against Getafe, that game would return to Montjuïc.
A final decision is expected after a key meeting between Barcelona and the city council. For now, it looks increasingly likely that Barcelona vs Valencia 2025 will mark the club’s home debut at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, offering fans a unique — and much more intimate — matchday experience.
