Official: venue announced by Barcelona for Real Sociedad clash

FC Barcelona has officially confirmed the venue for their upcoming La Liga match against Real Sociedad, putting an end to weeks of speculation.

This announcement follows the City Council’s decision to decline granting the First Occupancy Licence for the newly renovated Camp Nou, citing fire safety concerns that must be addressed before the stadium can reopen fully to fans.

This means the much-anticipated return to Camp Nou will be postponed, leaving Barcelona to seek other venues for their home fixtures.

Before this decision, the Catalans had been using the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a smaller stadium with a 6,000-spectator capacity, for their home games.

The club has officially confirmed that the match against Real Sociedad, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, as per the official FC Barcelona statement.

However, La Liga’s minimum attendance requirement of 8,000 spectators means that the Johan Cruyff Stadium could not be used for the Sociedad match without special permission, which had already been extended only for two games this season.

Montjuïc, with its larger capacity, also offers a logical choice as it is already set to host Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.

While the venue change comes with some logistical challenges, including the overlap with the La Mercè festival in the area, Barcelona is committed to ensuring the match proceeds smoothly at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

The club is actively working with the city council to address the regulatory requirements to secure the necessary permits for a return to its historic home as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, fans will have to experience the Real Sociedad encounter in the unique atmosphere of Montjuïc, a venue that holds its own special place in Barcelona’s rich footballing history.