Elche vs. Barcelona—La Liga: Live Score and Match Stats

Barcelona begin the defense of their La Liga crown on Sunday.

Barcelona are favorites to retain the title this season. | Alex Caparros/Getty Images

After being granted an extra week of rest after the World Cup, a star-studded Barcelona side begin the defense of their La Liga title on Sunday with a trip to Elche.

Big money has been spent this summer to bolster Hansi Flick’s squad. Anthony Gordon is the headline arrival in terms of finances, but the addition of Spain superstar Rodri is the one that has left fans most excited about the new season.

Preseason was not perfect for the Blaugrana but Flick will be focused on making a hot start to the La Liga season, and he will fancy his side’s chances against an Elche side that finished just one point above the relegation zone last season.

Barcelona won 3–1 when these two sides faced off in this fixture back in January. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring but the team’s other goalscorers on the day, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford, have both departed, opening the door for other players to be the heroes on Sunday.

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