Barcelona have been dealt a fresh setback to their hopes of pulling off a miraculous comeback against Atletico Madrid next week.
A late decision regarding the capacity at the Camp Nou has now emerged ahead of what could be a decisive night.
Barcelona suffer Camp Nou capacity blow ahead of Atletico Madrid second leg
Barcelona will not be permitted to increase capacity at the Spotify Camp Nou for their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on March 3, as per Spanish outlet AS.
The Catalan giants had hoped to receive the 1C license that would have allowed them to open both tiers of the North Goal stand, pushing attendance up to around 62,000 supporters.
Instead, the city has confirmed the permit will not be granted in time, meaning the match will be capped at 44,401 spectators.
Mayor Jaume Collboni stated that safety concerns remain unresolved and insisted there would be no flexibility on the issue. As a result, large sections of the stadium will remain closed for a fixture in which Barcelona must overturn a daunting 4-0 first-leg deficit.
FGG says: Camp Nou renovation is taking longer than Barcelona would want
This is quite a significant blow, as Barcelona were banking on a bigger capacity to help generate the kind of hostile, electric atmosphere that the Camp Nou is famous for – one that can fuel incredible comebacks.
With nearly 18,000 fewer supporters inside the ground, that edge is inevitably reduced. The delay also highlights ongoing frustrations around the Camp Nou renovation project.
What was meant to symbolise a new era has instead been punctuated by phased openings, licensing hurdles and shifting timelines, which is far from ideal during crucial fixtures like this one.
For a historic club chasing consistent silverware and success, the drawn-out redevelopment is becoming an unwelcome distraction.
On a night where belief and noise could make the difference, the LaLiga leaders will surely feel this setback deeply.