FC Barcelona suffered a disappointing defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their latest UEFA Champions League match, a result that felt preventable had the Catalan giants maintained the intensity they displayed in the opening 30 minutes.
While the team’s performance and coaching decisions drew scrutiny, another issue emerged from the stands: the noticeable lack of atmosphere. Though less evident in live broadcasts, many fans who attended the match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys voiced concerns about the subdued crowd.
I agree that the atmosphere last night was disappointing. I was generally sitting in a more “sophisticated” area, but more broadly, the place just when flat, especially in the second half.
All I could really hear was the PSG fans. Bad look.
— Neal 🇦🇺 (@NealGardner_) October 2, 2025
The absence of the Espai d’Animació (Animation Stand), a dedicated section for passionate supporters, was particularly felt, as it typically drives the team’s energy with chants, tifos, and unwavering support.
Després del dia del Eintracht, el d'anit davant el PSG va ser el partit que més incòmode m'he sentit veient el Barça jugar de local. És urgent recuperar un espai que lideri l'animació, digues-li grada o com vulguis. L'equip queia i a qui més s'escoltava era a l'afició rival.
— Guillem Borràs Pérez (@Guillembp01) October 2, 2025
Post-match, frustration boiled over, with FCB World highlighting a poignant interview on Catalunya Ràdio. A disillusioned fan criticized club president Joan Laporta for his ongoing decision to suspend the Animation Stand:
“A message to Mr. Laporta. It is completely unacceptable that fans of any other team come and their voices are heard throughout the match more than 40,000 Barcelona fans. We need the fan groups; we need one of them to put some encouragement in this stadium. What is happening is completely unacceptable. It is shameful, I cannot describe it any other way.”
This absence left a void in the stadium’s atmosphere, potentially impacting the team’s momentum in a crucial European fixture.
مشجعة من المنتجويك:
رسالة إلى السيد لابورتا. من غير المقبول تمامًا أن يأتي مشجعي أي فريق آخر ويُسمع صوتهم طوال المباراة أكثر من 40,000 مشجع لبرشلونة
نحن بحاجة إلى أنّ مجموعات المشجعين, نحتاج أن يضع أحدهم بعض التشجيع في هذا الملعب
غير مقبول تمامًا ما يحدث. إنه أمر مخزٍ، لا… pic.twitter.com/mdPrw8ClN0
— FCB World (@forcabarca_ar) October 1, 2025
ESPN’s FC Barcelona correspondent, Samuel Marsden, reinforced these concerns, noting that Montjuic’s atmosphere has been consistently underwhelming.
“Atmosphere not been good at Olympic Stadium for over a year now (and it wasn’t top, top tier before). Last night, the game between two of Europe’s best teams, should have been rocking. Chalk and cheese compared to opener at St James’ Park vs. NUFC”
Regrettably, neither Barça’s fans nor players could replicate that spark against PSG, failing to seize the moment in a game that demanded their collective fire.
The absence of the Animation Stand stems from a broader conflict. Last season, fan groups incurred approximately €21,000 in fines for violations like pyrotechnics and unauthorized banners, leading to 14 disciplinary actions against the club.
When groups failed to reimburse the penalties, Barça indefinitely closed the section, reassigning season tickets and sparking protests, including banners and boycotts.
In February 2025, the club announced plans for a permanent animation space in the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, set to reopen in phases, but only after resolving the financial disputes, a process that continues to spark tension and remains unresolved.
As Barcelona navigates this turbulent period, mostly off the pitch, the absence of their passionate core in the stands underscores a deeper challenge. The fan groups should return to restore the roaring atmosphere that once defined Barcelona’s fortress. For now, the silence at Montjuic speaks louder than words.