Laura Aparicio (MD): The Champions League will kick off on October 1 at Barcelona’s home against Paris Saint-Germain, and if the south stand of Camp Nou is not ready and open – as UEFA requires – Barça will have to play the match at Montjuïc

Here’s a very long, detailed explanation of the situation involving Laura Aparicio’s report about Barcelona, UEFA, and the Champions League venue decision:

Laura Aparicio’s statement highlights a very important development for Barcelona as they prepare for their first UEFA Champions League match of the new season. According to her report, the Champions League group stage will begin on October 1, and Barcelona are scheduled to play their opening match at home against Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe’s strongest teams. This game is already one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage because it pits two European giants against each other.

However, there is a significant issue at hand regarding the venue where the match will be played. Barcelona’s iconic stadium, Camp Nou, is currently undergoing major renovations as part of the ambitious Espai Barça project. This project is a complete modernization of the club’s infrastructure, which includes expanding and upgrading the Camp Nou to increase its seating capacity, improve fan experience, and make the stadium one of the most advanced in the world. As part of this work, the south stand of Camp Nou — a crucial section of the stadium that hosts thousands of fans — is currently under construction.

UEFA, European football’s governing body, has very strict requirements for stadiums that host Champions League matches. These requirements are not just about seating capacity but also about safety, accessibility, broadcast facilities, lighting, dressing rooms, and crowd control measures. One of these regulations is that all stands must be fully open and safe for spectators. This is to ensure that fans, players, and officials enjoy the best possible conditions, and to avoid any security risks that could arise from unfinished or restricted areas.

Laura Aparicio is pointing out that if Barcelona are not able to complete the renovation work on the south stand of Camp Nou and open it in time for the October 1 match, they will not be allowed to play the fixture there. UEFA does not make exceptions when it comes to stadium requirements because the Champions League is its flagship competition, watched by millions of viewers around the world. Instead, Barcelona would be forced to relocate the match to their alternative home venue — the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at Montjuïc.

Montjuïc has been Barcelona’s temporary home during the renovations of Camp Nou. While it is a historic stadium and has hosted many major events — including the 1992 Olympic Games — it does not have the same atmosphere, capacity, or aura as Camp Nou. For a high-profile match like Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain, playing at Montjuïc could be considered a disadvantage for Barça. Not only would the players miss the intimidating, close-to-the-pitch environment of Camp Nou, but there would also be fewer fans able to attend the game since Montjuïc has a smaller capacity compared to the fully renovated Camp Nou. The reduced attendance could impact the club financially in terms of ticket sales and matchday revenue, and it could also influence the intensity of home support that usually gives Barcelona a psychological edge in big games.

Moreover, Barcelona’s players and coaching staff have had to adjust to Montjuïc over the past season, but it is still not considered a true “home” stadium by many supporters. The pitch dimensions, turf quality, and atmosphere differ from what the players are used to at Camp Nou. Facing a strong team like PSG — who have world-class stars and are aiming for the Champions League trophy themselves — means every small detail could matter. Having to play at Montjuïc might therefore be seen as an additional challenge for Barça, especially in such a crucial opening fixture that could set the tone for their entire group stage campaign.

Laura Aparicio’s message is essentially a warning and a reminder that the clock is ticking. With just a few weeks left before October 1, Barcelona’s management and construction team must work hard to finish the south stand on time. The pressure is not only from UEFA but also from fans, sponsors, and the players themselves, who would prefer to return to Camp Nou as soon as possible. If the club fails to meet the deadline, they risk not only losing the iconic atmosphere of Camp Nou but also possibly starting their Champions League journey at a slight disadvantage.

In conclusion, Laura Aparicio’s report underlines a key logistical and sporting challenge for Barcelona ahead of their Champions League opener. The outcome depends on whether construction and safety inspections are completed on schedule. If successful, Barcelona fans will witness a thrilling European night at their beloved Camp Nou. If not, the game will take place at Montjuïc, potentially altering the dynamics of one of the biggest matches of the group stage.

Would you like me to also include possible fan reactions (both positive and negative) if the game ends up being played at Montjuïc ins

tead of Camp Nou?