Girona has officially received approval to participate in the 2024/2025 Champions League. The Spanish club and Manchester City share the same owners, which previously raised a conflict of interest. However, UEFA has accepted the participation of both clubs in the upcoming Champions League edition. Additionally, Estadi Montilivi has been approved by the federation to host the matches.

"El Girona in Girona"

UEFA has accepted the plans presented by the club to adapt the stadium to the federation's requirements. The capacity of Estadi Montilivi will have to be reduced to 9,282 seats, which matches the main stands' capacity, as UEFA does not allow the addition of temporary structures. Girona's management will also need to adjust the press area, VIP section, and provide parking spaces for buses, as well as separate entrances for visiting fans. These changes will cost the club up to €1 million. A downside of this arrangement is that only three-quarters of the approximately 10,000 season ticket holders will be able to watch the matches from the stands. They will also lose around €4 million due to playing in such a small stadium.

I do not consider playing outside Montilivi, as it would weaken the sporting aspect. This year we only lost to Real Madrid, which means we were very strong. Here, the players have a special confidence, and this is a point that must be maintained, said Girona's coach, Míchel, in May, as quoted by AS.

© playing balompie | Estadi Montilivi

Barcelona in case of success?

It turns out this might change if the club advances to the playoff phase. According to AS, if Míchel's team manages to pass the first phase, the possibility of playing the playoffs at Stage Front Stadium in Barcelona will be considered.

The conditions at Stage Front Stadium are incomparable to those at Montilivi. Firstly, in terms of capacity, Espanyol's stadium can hold up to 37,776 spectators, but also when it comes to facilities. It is a four-star stadium, with VIP boxes and parking for nearly 4,000 cars. There are 13 press boxes and 133 press seats available for journalists. Moreover, the stadium is much closer to Barcelona's airport, which will make traveling easier for both the opposing team and the fans.

Playing Girona's matches at the stadium in Barcelona has long been considered, but due to UEFA's favorable stance, this idea was quickly abandoned.

© Stadiony.net | Stage Front Stadium (Estadi Nou Sarria)