Barcelona’s long-awaited La Liga homecoming will take place in far smaller surroundings than expected, as they face Valencia on Sunday at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium instead of their revamped Camp Nou.
The champions, who trail Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao by two points after a sluggish start, had hoped to secure permits for a reduced-capacity return to Camp Nou but failed to meet the deadline. With the Olympic Stadium occupied by a concert, Barca were left with no choice but to move the game to their training ground venue.
President Joan Laporta assured fans that the club is working toward a swift return to Camp Nou, which is slated for full reopening in 2026. Meanwhile, Valencia were allocated just 290 tickets, all of which sold out immediately.
Coach Hansi Flick urged his players to remain humble and avoid complacency after their treble-winning season, while teenage star Lamine Yamal admitted the team must find the intensity that carried them through last year.
Barcelona defeated Valencia 7-1 in their previous meeting, but Los Che midfielder Pepelu expects a closer contest this time, emphasizing the team’s determination to put up a stronger fight.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Real Madrid travel to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao host Alaves in a Basque derby double-header. Atletico Madrid, still searching for their first win, meet Villarreal with Julian Alvarez tipped as their key player.
