Officially getting the defence of their La Liga crown underway on Sunday night, Barcelona will travel to Alicante when they meet Elche.

With Europe’s elite domestic leagues making their respective returns this weekend, there are plenty of eye-catching betting promotions available.

Verdict: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: BetUS

Elche

Starting with the hosts, eventually clinging to their La Liga status back in May as they signed off the 2025/26 campaign holding just a one-point buffer over the drop zone, Elche are desperate for smoother sailing this time around. However, despite opening proceedings with a late 1-1 stalemate away at top-flight newcomers Deportivo A Coruna, Martin Anselmi’s men will be bracing themselves for a monumental challenge when they return to Alicante on Sunday night. Falling to a 3-1 defeat when they last welcomed the reigning Spanish champions to town for a La Liga showdown back on January 31st, Elche should be concerned by a nightmare record against Barcelona. In fact, Los Franjiverdes have lost all of their previous 13 consecutive battles against Barcelona cross all competitions – a run that stems back to a 0-0 stalemate in May 2014.

Elche Team News

Missing out away at Deportivo A Coruna last weekend with a reported knee injury, Elche are once again sweating over the fitness of one-time West Ham youngster Grady Diangana here. Likewise, Morocco U21 international Adam Boayar remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue.

Bagging a late equaliser outside of Alicante last week, Marc Aguado will start in the middle of the park on Sunday night and be partnered alongside former Benfica starlet Martim Neto.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, successfully defending their La Liga crown last season, Barcelona have certainly reestablished themselves as Spain’s ultimate poster boys. Eventually holding a dominant eight-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s superstar squad have their sights set on shattering even more records this time around. Looking to lay down an immediate marker when they open up the 2026/27 campaign this weekend, Barca had also gained a fearsome reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. Pencilled in as a standout contender when they travel to Alicante on Sunday night, the former Bayern Munich boss saw his squad notch a staggering 95 goals in their 38 La Liga showdowns last season. Landing that 3-1 victory when they last travelled to Elche back in January, Barcelona will be dreaming of a repeat performance here.

Barcelona Team News

Completing a blockbuster permeant switch from Manchester City last week and enjoying a sensational summer after his World Cup success in North America, Rodri looks set to make his Barcelona debut on Sunday night.

Likewise, playing a leading role during Spain’s charge to a second World Cup crown last month, 19-year-old Lamine Yamal should play a leading role in attack. Making his move to Catalonia a permanent one this month, Portuguese international Joao Cancelo will start at right-back.

Elche vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider

• When Elche and Barcelona last met for a La Liga showdown back on January 31st, the reigning Spanish champions claimed a 3-1 victory in Alicante.
• In fact, Barca have won all of their previous 13 consecutive matchups against Sunday’s hosts across all competitions – a run that stems back to a 0-0 stalemate in May 2014.
• Barcelona bagged a sensational 95 goals in their 38 La Liga appearances last season.
• Elche remarkably registered 13 points from their final five La Liga showdowns in Alicante last season.
• Each of the last seven meetings between Elche and Barcelona have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Officially getting the defence of their La Liga crown underway this weekend, Barcelona will be looking to make an immediate statement in Alicante. Landing a deserved 3-1 victory when they last travelled to Elche back on January 31st, Flick’s superstar squad do hold a rampant historic record. In fact, winning all of their previous 13 consecutive meetings against Sunday’s hosts across all competitions, we are backing Flick’s free-scoring attack to come flying out of the traps here.

Verdict: Barcelona win

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: BetUS