Camp Nou has no roof and the downpour may arrive after half-time

Spotify Camp Nou is facing another test when Barcelona host Racing Santander. This time, the main concern is not Hansi Flick’s lineup or the form of Lamine Yamal. Weather forecasts suggest that heavy rain could reach the stadium during the match, with the worst conditions expected in the second half.

The new roof is not in place yet. It looks impressive in the project renders, but those remain considerably more waterproof than the actual stadium.

HEAVIEST RAIN EXPECTED IN THE SECOND HALF

Mundo Deportivo, citing the Meteorological Service of Catalonia and Civil Protection, reports that conditions in Barcelona could deteriorate during the evening.

Rainfall is expected to intensify as the day progresses. The period carrying the greatest risk of heavy rain overlaps with the second half of Barcelona’s match against Racing Santander.

Catalan Civil Protection has activated its INUNCAT flood emergency plan for parts of the region. Local rainfall could reach 40 litres per square metre in 30 minutes and 60 litres over three hours. That does not mean those figures will necessarily be recorded above Camp Nou, but the possibility of a strong storm is genuine.

At the time of writing, there has been no announcement suggesting that the kick-off will be changed or the fixture postponed. Weather forecasts can also shift before the game begins.

THE STADIUM IS STILL WAITING FOR ITS ROOF

A new roof is one of the central features of the Camp Nou redevelopment, but it has not yet been installed. Large sections of the stands remain exposed to the weather, as does the presidential box.

Joan Laporta experienced that arrangement during the recent Champions League match against Feyenoord. Heavy rain swept across the stadium, leaving Barcelona’s president watching from the stands in a bright yellow raincoat.

The club has committed enormous resources to the redevelopment, but for some matches the most dependable piece of stadium equipment remains a hood brought from home. The future may be covered; the present very much is not.

BARCELONA REMAIN CLEAR FAVOURITES

Rain could affect the speed of the ball, the condition of the pitch and the players’ footing, but it does not alter the sporting balance. Barcelona have won all five of their La Liga matches and enter the game as overwhelming favourites.

Racing Santander sit tenth with seven points. José Alberto’s side have yet to collect a point away from home, although their return to the top flight has already shown that they are willing to play attacking football.

The main uncertainty is therefore not which team will control possession, but the conditions in which it will happen. Barcelona have a stadium designed for the future. Tonight, supporters may still need to supply their own cover.