Elche VS FC Barcelona

Barcelona will officially begin their 2026-27 La Liga title defence on Sunday when they travel to face Elche. The Catalan giants enter the new campaign with ambitions of retaining their domestic crown while also challenging for the Champions League, having strengthened an already talented squad during the summer. Hansi Flick’s side did not feature on the opening weekend because their match against Athletic Bilbao was postponed following the involvement of several players in the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona enjoyed a mixed but generally encouraging pre-season, winning four of six matches, including a 2-1 victory over Al Ahly in their final preparation game. Their summer recruitment has also raised expectations, with Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu and Joao Cancelo joining the squad. Elche will face a major test after beginning their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna on August 17. The club finished 15th last season and are aiming to establish themselves more securely in the top flight rather than becoming involved in another relegation battle. New manager Martin Anselmi has been handed a one-year contract and will attempt to build a competitive side around a squad that has been strengthened by eight summer arrivals. However, Elche face a daunting historical record against Barcelona, having lost their last 12 meetings in all competitions and failing to defeat the Catalan side since December 1974. Their recent home form and improved squad could offer some optimism, but overcoming Barcelona will require a highly disciplined performance.