Barcelona Intensifies Training Ahead of La Liga Kick-off

FC Barcelona have pushed the tempo up another notch at the Ciutat Esportiva, with the decisive week before the 2026/27 season now fully underway and no room left for gentle pre-season rhythms.

Fresh from their 5-2 win over FC Basel, Hansi Flick’s squad were back out for a second session of the week, already splitting their focus between the Joan Gamper Trophy and, more importantly, Sunday’s La Liga opener away to Elche. The drills were sharper, the transitions quicker, the pauses shorter. Pre-season is almost over. The real thing is coming.

Xavi Espart back with the group

There was one notable change from Monday’s session: Xavi Espart was back.

The La Masia midfielder, who caught the eye against Basel with his composure and personality in the middle of the pitch, rejoined group work after being granted a day off. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the youngster had earned that brief rest after a demanding summer that included the U19 Euros with Spain and an intense pre-season under Flick.

On Tuesday, the break was over. Espart trained fully with the first team, slotting back into the patterns and positional work as Barcelona continued to fine-tune details ahead of the Gamper and the trip to Elche. No easing in, no half measures – just another full session alongside the senior squad.

Pedri and Gavi stay in the collective rhythm

If Espart’s return added freshness, the continuity of Pedri and Gavi brought reassurance.

Both midfielders remained fully integrated into collective training, another step forward in their carefully managed preparation plans. They had already increased their workload on Monday, and Tuesday’s session confirmed that progression.

Pedri, back from his holidays and gradually rebuilding his rhythm, continues to respond well to the steady increase in intensity. Gavi follows the same route, with the club maintaining a close eye on volume and demands. Neither took part in the friendly against Basel, but their presence in full training underlines the intention: have them ready for the competitive stretch that starts now, without rushing the final steps.

Flick balances Gamper showcase and Elche test

On the pitch, Flick used the session to juggle two different but connected priorities. The Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday at Spotify Camp Nou will serve as the final dress rehearsal, a chance to show the home crowd the team’s current version against Egyptian side Al Ahly. At the same time, every rondo, every pressing drill, every tactical sequence is being shaped with Elche in mind.

The German coach is now into the last block of pre-season work, those days that mark the shift from preparation to competition. The tone changes here: places are on the line, starting roles are being decided, and mistakes carry more weight.

Youngsters stay in the frame

The club’s commitment to youth was once again clear. The group of academy players who have spent much of the summer training with the first team stayed involved and continued to operate within first-team dynamics.

Alvaro Cortes, Brian Farinas, Ebrima Tunkara, Orian Goren, Jordi Pesquer, Hamza Abdelkarim and Eder Aller all trained under Flick’s orders, maintaining their rhythm and their proximity to the senior setup. For them, every touch is an audition, every small-sided game a chance to convince the staff they belong at this level.

On Wednesday, the routine tightens even more: morning training at the Ciutat Esportiva at 9:30 a.m., then the Gamper Trophy under the lights at 8 p.m. at Spotify Camp Nou against Al Ahly. After that, no more rehearsals. Only Elche, only La Liga, only the season that will tell whether this intense August work truly changed Barcelona’s trajectory.