Hello everyone and welcome to another MARCA in English live blog, this time covering the LALIGA EA Sports clash between Elche and Barcelona from the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
Fresh from sealing Champions League knockout qualification with a convincing midweek win over Copenhagen, Barcelona return their focus to domestic matters in buoyant mood. A 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo last time out kept them ahead of Real Madrid, and victory on Saturday would briefly open a four-point gap before their rivals take the field on Sunday.
Back in the top flight after finishing second in the Segunda Division last season, Eder Sarabia‘s side have been one of the more compelling stories in LaLiga. Sitting 11th with 24 points from 21 matches. Despite taking just two points from their four league matches in 2026, Elche have lost only once at home all season, taking 20 of their 24 points at the Martínez Valero, where the atmosphere has fueled a fearless approach.
Barcelona‘s away record offers reassurance. Seven wins from 11 road matches places them second only to the league’s strongest travelers, and history overwhelmingly favors them. The Blaugrana have won 11 consecutive meetings with Elche in all competitions and have not lost this fixture since 1974.
Barcelona‘s quality in the final third should ultimately tilt the balance. If they can control the tempo and avoid being drawn into an open exchange too early, patience may unlock opportunities as Elche‘s defensive gaps appear.
Elche vs Barcelona LIVE – Latest updates
Elche vs Barcelona Possible Lineups
Elche will be without on-loan Barcelona defender Hector Fort, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury and ineligible to face his parent club regardless. Alvaro Nunez remains a doubt with a muscular issue, while Aleix Febas is suspended after reaching the yellow-card threshold in the defeat to Levante.
Barcelona’s injury list is more familiar. Gavi, Pedri and Andreas Christensen all remain unavailable, but otherwise the squad is in strong shape. Frenkie de Jong returns after missing the midweek European match through suspension. Ferran Torres, who made his comeback appearance off the bench against Copenhagen, is pushing for a start, which could see Dani Olmo drop into a supporting role.
Elche possible starting XI: Pena; Chust, Affengruber, Bigas; Pedrosa, Neto, Diangana, Aguado, Valera; Rodriguez, Silva
Barcelona possible starting XI: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; E Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; F Torres
When is Elche vs Barcelona?
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CET. For fans in the United Kingdom, the match begins at 20:00 GMT.
In the United States, it will get underway at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
Where to watch Elche vs Barcelona?
In the United States, the Elche vs Barcelona match will be shown live on ESPN+. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Disney+.
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