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CE Europa stays at Can Dragó and leaves athletics in limbo
CE Europa will continue playing at Can Dragó next season, and the decision once again puts sporting balance in Nou Barris under strain. The club's members have voted overwhelmingly to remain at the municipal facilities, a solution that solves football's immediate problem but leaves the future of athletics in the neighbourhood uncertain.
The internal vote resulted in 62.45% support for Can Dragó over the alternative of Narcís Sala, the stadium of UE Sant Andreu. The outcome means the club must continue away from Nou Sardenya, its historic home, which still does not meet the natural grass requirements needed to compete in Primera Federación.
The decision has both emotional and practical implications. For Europa, Can Dragó means staying in Barcelona without moving to a direct rival’s ground and without completely breaking the connection with its supporters. But it also means accepting financial losses and playing in a venue that was not designed as a football stadium.
The big question now concerns Club d’Atletisme Nou Barris. The organisation has spent months complaining that Europa’s arrival has reduced the available space, disrupted training sessions, and led to a worrying drop in users. The continuation of football extends this discomfort for another season.
The conflict has already had visible consequences. Can Dragó lost the chance to host scheduled athletics competitions, such as the Campeonato de Catalunya under-20, due to incompatibility with football activity. For the athletes, it feels as though a facility intended for running, jumping, and training has been shaped by outside needs.
The Ayuntamiento de Barcelona is once again at the centre of the debate. The temporary solution that was supposed to allow Europa to compete while the future of Nou Sardenya was resolved has turned into a longer coexistence than expected, with outstanding promises regarding the improvement and modernisation of the athletics facilities.
Europa’s return to Gràcia will depend on the works at Nou Sardenya. The municipal plan is to install natural grass between August and November 2027, meaning Can Dragó will remain a key venue for the club and a source of concern for athletics in Nou Barris for months to come.
The situation presents an uncomfortable image for sport in Barcelona: two legitimate needs competing for the same space. Europa is trying to survive in the division and keep its supporters close, while athletics wants to reclaim a flagship facility. At Can Dragó, every football match won still feels like a longer wait for those who train there all year round.