Barcelona Without Balde
Barcelona, the champion of the last two seasons, starts its title defence against Elche at 9:30 a.m. Coach Hansi Flick will not field Alejandro Balde, 23, who has a contract until 2028, in the starting XI after doubts about his future and the arrival of João Cancelo, who is ready to play.
Doubt over Julián and the squad
Flick also made clear that he will not have Julián Álvarez, the striker he was waiting for, and that Pedri, Cubarsí and Olmo will not start. “I’m not worried that a striker hasn’t arrived,” the German said, adding that he does not like to talk about players from other teams.
Defensive alternatives
To cover the left flank, Flick has tried Koundé, Eric García and Gerard Martín, and has put Cancelo on the left side. He has also watched Jordi Pesquer (17) and Xavi Espart, although these players usually play on the right or in midfield.
Elche and its preparation
Elche, coached by Martín Rodrigo Anselmi, arrives with a squad that includes Grady Diangana and the new signings Facu Buonanotte, Abiel Osorio and Eze Ponce. Players Adam Boayar and Yago de Santiago are out with injuries. The team flew in, with president Joan Laporta, vice-presidents Rafa Yuste and Jaume Santiveri, and directors Jaume Santiveri and Xavier Barniol.
Tribute and celebration
Before the match, Elche will pay tribute to eight world champions and celebrate the 80th birthday of Marcial, a former player of both Barça and Elche.
Match details
The match will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Martínez Valero, with 33,732 spectators. The referee will be Alejandro Quintero González, with VAR Guillermo Cuadra Fernández. Barcelona will face an Elche that has only suffered two home defeats, the last in January against the same Barça, 1-3.
