The last classic in Montjuïc (in principle)

BarcelonaAround Christmas, when Barça was already well aware that the return to Camp Nou was a long time coming, the club announced that the goal was to reopen the stadium to coincide with the Clásico against Real Madrid. A presentation had been organized a few weeks earlier to explain that the return would be at the beginning of the year, but it was clear that the predictions couldn't be met. From a construction standpoint, it was possible to have the stadium ready for the new date proposed by the management team. And from a permitting perspective, there were more uncertainties, although the club was confident of reaching an agreement with the City Council.

However, planning the return for the weekend of May 10 and 11 was explained by a third factor: the rush was conditioned by the availability of Montjuïc. The venue had already been rented for the start of a world tour by a highly publicized group, the Rolling Stones. As luck would have it, this agreement was ultimately canceled, and Barça were given the green light to play Lluís Companys until the end of the season.

It was a nervous few days at Can Barça. BSM, the company that manages the Olympic ring facilities, didn't want to cancel the contract with the Stones—because of the multi-million-pound bonus it entailed and the discredit it would bring. There was also no guarantee that the reopening permits would be granted. The club explored the possibility of playing the final matches of the season in a third stadium. On the table were options ranging from the most conservative, playing Johan Cruyff, to more outlandish ones, such as renting the RCDE Stadium or moving to Mestalla. These were proposals nonetheless. Sources consulted by this newspaper explain that the option was quickly ruled out and that no formal request was ever made to third-party clubs. "Either we play at Montjuïc or we play at Camp Nou," said the club's official spokespersons when asked about the subject.

The Stones canceled the tour on January 30th and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Montjuïc was available, but Barça wasn't throwing in the towel. The club exhausted all options and didn't It was confirmed until March 20 that the classic would be played on the Magic MountainThat day, the club announced the news to the community, offering season ticket holders the option of extending their season ticket for matches scheduled for May. The merchandise was also put on sale. VIP, which are the ones that allow for a big profit, with prices that can reach up to 3,000 euros per seat. With canapés included before, during, and after the match, of course!

"We need that money to make up for the business we can't do at Camp Nou."

The sale has been a success and is expected to be the best attendance of the season. The team's strong run and the possibility of Barça securing a league title have boosted sales and prices. Last season, €7 million was raised on the day of the La Liga derby. For that match, the forecast is to exceed €10 million. Under the variable pricing policy, the last seats were being sold this Friday for €745 at the goal line and up to €1,250 in the grandstand. Most sections are already sold out, and seats below the corner, which have reduced visibility, went on sale at the last minute for €499.

Regarding the products VIPPrices were also on the rise. Seats next to the bench were selling for 3,750 euros, and if you want to watch the game next to the presidential box, you have to shell out 5,000. "We need that money to make up for the business we can't do at Camp Nou," said the club's top offices, where they noted that this season's budget included a return home in the second half of the season.

From there, the big question: will this be the last Clásico at Montjuïc? Barça's response is shaky, and the club continues to dodge the issue when asked for a specific return date. Their only goal is to reopen Camp Nou in September, after requesting La Liga that the first three matchdays of the 2025/26 season be played away from home. Limak is committed to delivering the first phase of the project—with the first and second stands completed—by July 31. The problem is that the reopening permits, which are the other hurdle, will be missing.

There is a lot of optimism within the club, but at City Hall, there is more skepticism among the officials who must sign all the documentation. Also, this week, there was a meeting with BSM to plan the dismantling of Montjuïc and its conversion from a football stadium into a concert venue. The meeting was held to determine whether this process would be final or whether the club could return to Montjuïc after the summer. According to sources consulted, Lluís Companys's management didn't come up with any clear solutions. All they can recall is that two concerts are already scheduled for August and September, and that another concert is being negotiated for November. Logically, it will be the last classic at Montjuïc, but no one dares to say for sure.