Elche host Barcelona as delayed 2026-27 La Liga campaign begins

Elche will welcome Barcelona to Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday, 23 August, as the Catalan club finally starts its 2026-27 La Liga campaign after missing the opening round.

Barcelona’s fixture against Athletic Club was postponed, meaning this match will be their first official league game of the new season. The visitors will be aiming to begin with a victory and collect all three points as they look to establish momentum early in the campaign.

The postponement was part of an exceptional measure introduced by Spain’s football authorities. It was designed to give clubs most affected by their players’ involvement in the 2026 World Cup additional time to recover and prepare before beginning their domestic campaigns.

Barcelona will therefore arrive at Elche knowing that a positive result would provide an important start, while Elche will be looking to build on an encouraging opening-day performance.

Elche began the new season with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna. That result has lifted confidence around the club, and they will hope to use both their positive start and home support to continue their unbeaten run.

The match will be played at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero on Sunday, 23 August 2026.

Kick-off is scheduled for 22:30 Saudi Arabia time and 23:30 in the United Arab Emirates.

How to watch Elche v Barcelona

beIN SPORTS holds the exclusive rights to broadcast La Liga matches, so Elche v Barcelona will be available on its channels.

Viewers who prefer to watch the match online can use the TOD TV application or beIN Connect.

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beIN SPORTS Qatar has appointed Ahmed Al Balushi as commentator for the match.

The fixture offers Elche the chance to make the most of home advantage against one of Spain’s leading clubs, while Barcelona begin their campaign later than planned following the rearrangement of their opening-weekend match.

With Elche having already taken a point from their first game against Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona face a side that has made a steady start and will be encouraged by the support at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero. For Barcelona, the priority will be to turn their delayed entry into the season into three points and set the tone for their 2026-27 La Liga campaign.