Barcelona's preparations for the decisive Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid have been complicated by uncertainty over the stadium's reopening.
According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the club is awaiting permission from the Barcelona City Council that would allow capacity to increase to 62,000 spectators by reopening the North Stand (also known as Gol Nord). Without this approval, the stand will remain closed for the semi-final.
Dekra, the body authorized by the city council to assess stadium safety, access points, and emergency systems, conducted another inspection this week. However, optimism within the club is limited, with reports suggesting Barcelona are pessimistic about receiving the green light before Atletico's visit.
The delay is reportedly due to bureaucratic and safety adjustments linked to the North Stand. Should the permit not arrive in time, the league fixture against Sevilla on March 15 could be the next realistic target for reopening.
Further complicating matters, the Supporters’ Stand is undergoing a separate licensing process. Despite these hurdles, Barcelona is determined to ensure a strong atmosphere against Atletico Madrid by exploring temporary solutions to allow organized supporters to occupy an alternative area inside the stadium.
Given what is at stake, Barcelona understands the importance of home support in knockout football, especially after their 0-4 defeat in the first leg.
