Barcelona Prepares for La Liga Season Kick-Off

The holidays are over at Ciutat Esportiva. With the 2026/27 La Liga season just days away, Barcelona have moved into full-throttle mode, turning a routine training week into a decisive sprint toward competitive football.

Fresh from their 5-2 win over FC Basel, Hansi Flick’s squad were back out for a second session of the week, already splitting their focus between Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy and, more importantly, Sunday’s league opener away to Elche.

Xavi Espart back with the group

There was one notable change from Monday’s workout: Xavi Espart’s return.

The La Masia midfielder, who caught the eye against Basel, rejoined the group after being granted a day off. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the youngster had been given a breather by Flick following a heavy summer that included the U19 Euros with Spain and an intense pre-season schedule.

Rest over, Espart was back in the thick of it, completing the full session alongside the first team and reinforcing his status as one of the academy faces pushing hardest for minutes.

Pedri and Gavi stay in the mix

The reassuring sight for Barcelona fans came in midfield. Pedri and Gavi once again trained with the group, staying firmly embedded in the collective sessions.

Both are following carefully managed plans to control workload and adaptation. Pedri, easing back in since returning from his holidays, continues to tick off each step without setbacks. Gavi is on a similar trajectory, building rhythm under close supervision.

Neither played a part in the Basel friendly, but their ongoing presence in full training is a clear sign that Flick wants them as close to match-ready as possible as the real games return.

Flick’s balancing act

On the pitch, the German coach is juggling two fronts: fine-tuning details for the Joan Gamper Trophy while laying the foundations for Sunday’s La Liga opener at Elche. Every drill now carries a competitive edge. Every small-sided game, every pressing pattern, is being sharpened with points on the line in mind.

The session again featured the cluster of youngsters who have effectively lived with the first team all summer. Alvaro Cortes, Brian Farinas, Ebrima Tunkara, Orian Goren, Jordi Pesquer, Hamza Abdelkarim and Eder Aller all remained plugged into the senior dynamic, learning Flick’s demands at close range and offering fresh legs as the intensity ramps up.

All eyes on Spotify Camp Nou

The next checkpoint arrives on Wednesday night. Spotify Camp Nou will stage the Joan Gamper Trophy at 8 p.m., with Barcelona facing Egyptian side Al Ahly in what will be both a presentation and a final dress rehearsal.

Before that, the squad will train again at Ciutat Esportiva at 9:30 a.m., one more chance to lock in details, test combinations and cement roles.

Pre-season is almost out of road. The Gamper under the lights, Elche on Sunday, and a new campaign about to ask the only question that matters: is this Barcelona side truly ready to deliver when the friendlies stop and the pressure starts?