Barcelona Intensifies Training Before La Liga Opener

FC Barcelona have shifted out of pre-season cruise control. With the Joan Gamper Trophy looming and La Liga starting on Sunday against Elche, the work at the Ciutat Esportiva has taken on a sharper edge.

Fresh from a 5-2 win over FC Basel, Hansi Flick put his players through their second session of the week, this time with one notable face back in the fold.

Xavi Espart returns to the grind

The main change from Monday’s workout was the return of Xavi Espart. The La Masia midfielder, who caught the eye against Basel, rejoined the group after being granted a short breather.

As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Espart had earned Monday morning off following a demanding summer: first the U19 Euros with Spain, then an intense pre-season under Flick. On Tuesday, the break was over. He was back in full training, working alongside the first team and picking up where he left off in midfield.

For a youngster trying to nail down a place in Flick’s plans, every session counts. This one especially, with competitive football just days away.

Pedri and Gavi stay with the group

If Espart’s presence added freshness, the continued involvement of Pedri and Gavi brought reassurance.

Both midfielders remained fully integrated into the collective work as they keep stepping up through carefully managed adaptation plans. They took another stride forward on Monday and stayed on that path in this latest session.

Pedri, easing back into rhythm since returning from holiday, is progressing as planned. Gavi is following a similar route. Neither played in the Basel friendly, but their consistent presence in training is a clear sign the staff want them ready for the real thing, not just the rehearsals.

Flick balances Gamper and Elche

On the pitch, Flick used the session to juggle two immediate targets: Wednesday’s Joan Gamper Trophy and Sunday’s La Liga opener away to Elche.

The German coach is now deep into the final stretch of preparation, the point where pre-season drills give way to competitive demands. The intensity has gone up, the margins have shrunk, and roles are being defined.

Youngsters who have spent most of the summer in first-team dynamics stayed involved: Alvaro Cortes, Brian Farinas, Ebrima Tunkara, Orian Goren, Jordi Pesquer, Hamza Abdelkarim and Eder Aller all trained again with the senior squad. For them, this is the shop window. For Flick, it is a chance to test depth before the season’s grind bites.

On Wednesday morning, the players will be back at the Ciutat Esportiva at 9:30 a.m. for another session. By 8 p.m., Spotify Camp Nou will host the Gamper Trophy clash with Egyptian side Al Ahly.

Then comes Elche on Sunday. Pre-season ends there. The real judgment starts.