Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
According to a report from AS, Barcelona have been unofficially informed by the City Council that their match against Real Sociedad later this month cannot be played at Montjuic.
The reason is tied to the La Merce festivities, where a fireworks show is scheduled at 10 pm around the Montjuic fountain area.
Since Barça’s game was set to kick off at 9 pm, the event would make it impossible for fans to access or leave the stadium.
This latest development means Barcelona are once again in a race against time, as their only chance to reopen the new Camp Nou this month is against Real Sociedad.
But even that remains uncertain. Elena Fort, the club’s vice president of the social area, has already admitted that nobody can promise the stadium will be ready by then.
Problems do not seem to end for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The first occupancy document for the works still has not been submitted, and approval from City Council technicians is required before any match can take place there.
The challenge goes beyond La Liga. UEFA has set a clear condition – for Barcelona to play their Champions League home opener against PSG at Camp Nou, they must first host a domestic league game there.
This makes the clash with Real Sociedad vital. If it doesn’t happen at the new stadium, Barça will lose the chance to debut in Europe at their rebuilt home.
To cover all bases, it must be noted that Barcelona extended their lease of the Estadi Olímpic until February.
While this gives them a backup, the fact of the matter is that time is slipping away.
What once looked like a hopeful return in late 2025 is now under serious doubt, and the club faces the real possibility of not opening Camp Nou to fans until well into 2026.
MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
MALLORCA, SPAIN - AUGUST 16: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)