Overview
- A Phase 1B license caps attendance at 45,401, with strong demand leaving roughly 2,000 tickets unsold and club estimates of €4–5 million in matchday revenue.
- Hansi Flick confirmed Joan García will start in goal, with winger Raphinha back from injury and available off the bench.
- Marcus Rashford is out with flu, Frenkie de Jong is suspended and Pedri remains injured, with Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi also sidelined.
- Lamine Yamal is available after a managed groin issue during the international break, which Flick defended as the right call.
- Construction continues toward Phase 1C to open the North Stand and lift capacity to about 62,000, with full completion targeted for 2027 and UEFA permission reported for hosting an upcoming Champions League tie.