History is being written before our eyes. Girona will play their matches in the upcoming edition of the Champions League at the tiny Estadi Montilivi stadium. Although the media and fans have long speculated about playing at the top level of Europe's competition, it was uncertain whether the stadium would meet UEFA's requirements. However, the club is determined to make it happen.

The icing on the cake

Girona had secured their place in the Champions League in the 34th round of La Liga, beating FC Barcelona 4:2 at Estadi Montilivi. This unexpected victory (Girona was losing 1:2) perfectly summed up the season of the team from the north of Catalonia. The brave style of play and the full exploitation of the players' potential under Míchel Sanchez ensured their promotion to Europe's top competition.

We will never forget it - proclaimed the headline on Girona's website after the match. For the first time in its history, and as the 14th Spanish team, Girona will play in the Champions League (Sportball data). The club had already shown its ambition last season, fighting until the last round for a place in the European cups, finishing the season just 3 points off the target, but securing 3rd place a round before the end of the season has earned the admiration of fans and the respect of commentators.

© krani

Spain's smallest stadium in Champions League

Estadi Montilivi is also a phenomenon in Spanish football. Although Girona's stadium will host Champions League matches in 2024/25, its capacity is smaller than most Segunda División arenas. This will make Montilivi the smallest Spanish stadium ever to host Champions League matches.

Indeed, UEFA has approved the plans submitted by the club to adapt the stadium to meet the federation's requirements. The possibility of playing at Barcelona's Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc had previously been considered, but the club has allayed these doubts. Montilivi will host Champions League matches - informs the headline on Girona's website.

In the statement, the club reports that the European body has accepted the reforms proposed by the club, which will involve significant financial investment and will allow the stadium to meet the necessary requirements for Europe's top competition. The club also announces a reduction in capacity due to the impossibility of using additional stands.

© krani

Will it be even smaller?

As we reported in April, Montilivi's capacity will have to drop to 9282 seats, which is as many as the permanent stands have. This is because UEFA does not allow temporary structures. According to MARCA, Girona authorities will also have to adjust the press area, the VIP area and provide parking spaces for coaches and separate entrances for rival fans.

According to the Spanish newspaper, these adjustments will cost the club up to €1m. The downside is that only ¾ of the approximately 10,000 socios will be able to watch matches from the stands. They will also lose around €4m from playing in such a small stadium compared to Montjuic.

As you can see, money is not the only thing that counts in football. For Girona fans and players, Montilivi is a fortress that has only been conquered by Real Madrid (0:3) and Villarreal (1:3) this La Liga season. Now the Catalans must prepare the stadium to fend off attacks from Europe's top teams.

© krani