LaLiga denies Barça's request to play Matchday 4 against Valencia at Mestalla: why?

The options for FC Barcelona to play Matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 against Valencia CF are becoming complicated. This commitment is initially scheduled to take place at Spotify Camp Nou on September 14, but despite promising progress in the works, there is still no certainty that the match against the ches can take place at the historic Azulgrana home.

Faced with this situation, the Culé board is looking for emergency alternatives in case the match cannot be held at home. With Montjuïc and the Estadi Johan Cruyff ruled out, one of the options was to move the match to the stronghold of Valencia CF, in Mestalla, although this option ultimately seems to have no viability.

LaLiga rejects the change of venue for Barça-Valencia to Mestalla: why?

According to Deportes COPE, LaLiga rejected the request to play in Valencian territory. The league argues that it is forbidden to modify the order of the calendar, so the fourth matchday must be played according to the original schedule.

This forces FC Barcelona to trust that, once the Final Construction Certificate (CFO) of phase 1A is obtained of the reforms of the Spotify Camp Nou, the City Council approves the inspection scheduled for Tuesday, August 26. Only in this way could they obtain the partial occupancy permit and guarantee the venue for the match, avoiding additional complications.

Ruled out options: Montjuïc and Johan Cruyff not available for Barça-Valencia

For example, Montjuïc, the main option outside the Camp Nou, would also not be viable for the date scheduled for the Barça-Valencia match. On Friday, September 12, just two days before the match, a concert by the American artist Post Malone will be held, which makes it extremely difficult for the stadium to be available in suitable conditions for the 14th.

In turn, the Estadi Johan Cruyff, home of the women's team and venue for the 2025 Joan Gamper Trophy, is also ruled out. Its capacity is insufficient: it has 6,000 seats, 2,000 less than the 8,000 required for a First Division match.

Finally, if the Spotify Camp Nou is not ready, the most feasible option is Montilivi, stadium of Girona FC, which could function as a temporary venue for the Culés. However, the Barcelona team now more than ever has high expectations of returning to the Spotify Camp Nou as soon as possible.

Although beyond that, to prevent any inconvenience after the date against Valencia CF in terms of location, they also have a plan B: in case the stronghold of Les Corts is still not ready in time, Montjuïc remains reserved until February. How will this case end? Only time will tell.