Barcelona confirm revamped XI for delayed LaLiga debut

Barcelona have confirmed a heavily reshaped starting XI for their delayed LaLiga campaign, with Hansi Flick selecting a side built around Karim Adeyemi, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha for the visit to Elche. The match is Barcelona’s first league fixture after their opening game was postponed, while Real Madrid have already beaten Espanyol 2-1 to establish an early pace.

Adeyemi leads the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Raphinha operate behind him, with Marc Bernal and Gavi forming the midfield pairing. Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Martin and Espart make up the named defensive line.

Elche will start with Fer Nino alongside Ali Houary and Morente in a three-man attack. The hosts sit 10th after taking one point from their opening league match, a 1-1 draw that leaves them with one goal scored and one conceded.

Elche’s recent record gives them a solid platform for the fixture. They have avoided defeat in their last five listed matches, drawing with Al Ain, Johor Darul Ta’zim, and Girona while beating Kaizer Chiefs and Getafe. Barcelona’s selection therefore faces a home side that has shown consistency in recent outings, as the Catalans seek to open their league campaign and remain alongside the early leaders.