Barcelona’s Copa del Rey hopes dwindle as Camp Nou capacity falls short for Atletico return leg

Barcelona’s efforts to increase Spotify Camp Nou’s capacity to 62,657 seats for their Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid have been stalled by licensing delays.

​FC Barcelona faces a monumental task in the Copa del Rey after a devastating 4-0 first-leg defeat to Atlético Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

While Hansi Flick’s side hoped for a boosted home atmosphere to aid a potential comeback, reports indicate they will likely remain restricted to 45,401 spectators.

The club has struggled with bureaucratic hurdles in securing the “1C licence” required to open the North Stand in time for the March 3rd fixture.

​The expansion would have added 17,000 supporters to the stands, but the City Council’s rigorous technical requirements mean a March opening for the Champions League knockouts is a more realistic target.

Despite the setback, the club hopes the current capacity can still produce the “special” environment needed to overturn the four-goal deficit.

Flick’s team must overcome both Diego Simeone’s clinical defense and the absence of Eric García, who was sent off in the first leg.