Elche v Barcelona: LaLiga 2026-27 preview and team news for August 23

Elche CF will host FC Barcelona at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on August 23 in their second LaLiga 2026-27 fixture, with Barcelona set to begin their league campaign away from home.

Elche, managed by Martín Anselmi, drew their opening LaLiga match against Deportivo La Coruña after conceding an early goal and recovering with a late equaliser; Marc Aguado scored that equaliser in the final quarter. The hosts have not beaten Barcelona in their last 10 meetings. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona arrive having made new signings and recorded positive outcomes in their last two pre-season games as they prepare to defend their title.

Marc Aguado, a 26-year-old Spanish midfielder capable of playing centrally or in a defensive role, scored Elche’s equaliser in the season opener and is expected to play a key role for the hosts. The source states he "scored a much-needed equaliser for Elche CF in their LaLiga 2026-27 opener" and that "he will be eager to come up with another top performance."

Barcelona plan to use Raphinha as their first-choice striker; the report notes that after injuries last season the Brazilian forward featured in 22 LaLiga matches, scored 13 goals and provided three assists. The article gives his age as 29 and says he will look to "step up his game and help the visitors by engraving his name on the scoresheet."

Elche will be without Grady Diangana, Yago Santiago and Adam Boayar due to injury, according to the preview. Barcelona are missing Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji with long-term injuries, while new signing Rodri has returned to training after a minor back surgery but is not yet confirmed for the squad.

The preview lists likely lineups as follows: Dituro (GK); Chust, Affengruber, Redondo; Sangare, Villar, Aguado, Neto, Valera; Houary, Nino. Joan Garcia (GK); Kounde, Eric Garcia, Martin, Balde; Bernal, Espart; Yamal, Lopez, Gordon; Raphinha.

The Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero will host the fixture on August 23. Broadcast arrangements cited in the article are Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte in Spain; ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes in the USA; and coverage for Indian viewers via the FanCode app and website.