Live Blog! Elche vs Barcelona in LaLiga

Barcelona begin their LaLiga title defense with a visit to Elche at the Martínez Valero, with Hansi Flick facing a major decision at center forward and several of his stars still working their way back to full match fitness.

We reach halftime with Barça clearly in control, 0-2 the score in Elche

Adeyemi scores his first goal as a Barça player, Barcelona lead 0-2

Gavi goes off injured

The match passes the half-hour mark and Barça still lead 0-1

Clear penalty on Raphinha, and the Barcelona captain himself makes it 0-1 before the 15-minute mark

Lamine Yamal comes close to scoring the opener

The match is underway

The lineups

The champions are back in action. Barcelona, winners of the last two LaLiga titles, begin their journey in the new season with a visit to Elche, a team hoping to once again turn the Martínez Valero into one of its biggest strengths.

Hansi Flick’s side enter the campaign with several new faces following the arrivals of Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Joao Cancelo and Rodri, although the latter is not yet ready to make his debut. The Spanish midfielder only recently joined training and still needs time to regain match fitness.

Barcelona Begin Their Title Defense

The biggest question for Flick will be in attack. Barcelona have yet to complete the signing of a center forward, meaning youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored four goals during preseason, is one of the options to lead the line.

Raphinha and Anthony Gordon could also operate as forwards, depending on the approach chosen by the German coach.

Meanwhile, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Gavi and Pau Cubarsí could start on the bench due to their lack of match fitness after playing in the World Cup. Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia and goalkeeper Joan Garcia, however, have a better chance of being included in the starting XI.

The Blaugrana had a short and unusual preseason, playing just three friendlies: victories over Al-Ahly and Basel, along with a draw against Birmingham City.

Elche Rely on Home Strength at the Martínez Valero

Elche, coached by Martín Anselmi, enter the matchup with more preparation under their belt and confidence after earning a 1-1 draw in their league opener.

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The home side will look to once again take advantage of the Martínez Valero. Last season, Elche suffered only two defeats at home, although one of them came against Barcelona, who claimed a 3-1 victory in January.

Anselmi has welcomed back Grady Diangana and also has new signings Facu Buonanotte, Abiel Osorio and Eze Ponce available. The Argentine coach has made it clear that his team will stick to its possession-based approach and high pressing despite facing the defending champions.

Stadium: Martínez Valero
Time: 3:30 PM ET