Preview, form, head-to-head, team news and broadcast details for Elche vs Barcelona clash at Estadio Martínez Valero
Elche host Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday, January 31, 2026, (21:00 CET) at the Estadio Martínez Valero in Elche, with the Catalans seeking to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Hansi Flick‘s side are one point above rivals Real Madrid, and have the chance to apply the pressure on Los Blancos who face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Elche continue to impress under Eder Sarabia, sitting mid-table and playing some beautiful football along the way. The aim for the hosts is to build on their positive momentum at home against one of the division’s strongest teams.
How the teams go into the game: form
Elche currently lie 11th in LaLiga with 24 points from 21 matches, having scored and conceded 29 goals. Their season has had some ups and downs, as Elche have registered several competitive results against stronger opponents but come into this match on the back of inconsistent form with two losses and two draws in their last four league games.
Barcelona sit top of the LaLiga standings on 52 points, a point clear of second-placed Real Madrid, and have won 17 of 21 league games. Their recent 3-0 league victory against Real Oviedo helped them reclaim the summit, with goals from Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
Meanwhile, a 4-1 victory against Copenhagen in the last round of the Champions League league phase on Wednesday saw Barcelona clinch a top-eight spot, securing Round of 16 qualification.
Elche vs Barcelona: Head-to-head
Historically, Barcelona have dominated this fixture. In their last 13 meetings, Elche have managed just one draw, while Barcelona have won the rest, including the most recent league encounter in November, when Barça grabbed a 3-1 victory on home soil.
Elche have not beaten Barcelona in LaLiga for over a decade, underlining the challenge the hosts face on Saturday. although they gave an impressive showing in their last meeting.
Elche spent the night in Barcelona, and Barça showed great sportsmanship by letting them use their facilities this morning for a recovery session. 👏
pic.twitter.com/KzLUrlBXcs— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) November 3, 2025
Elche vs Barcelona: Team news
Elche will be without Aleix Febas due to suspension and are also managing a few injury issues, with first-team players such as Álvaro Núñez and Josan also unavailable.
For Barcelona, midfield setbacks continue to shape selection. Pedri remains out with a muscle injury, and Gavi is still sidelined while recovering from knee surgery, with centre-back Andreas Christensen also unavailable long-term.
Elche vs Barcelona: Predicted line-ups
Elche (predicted XI): Pena; Chust, Affengruber, Bigas; Pedrosa, Neto, Diangana, Aguado, Valera; Rodriguez, Silva
FC Barcelona (predicted XI): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Balde; Eric Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha; Ferran Torres
Elche vs Barcelona: When and where to watch in US & UK
Elche host Barcelona on Saturday, 31 January 2026, in a LaLiga fixture at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT in the UK, with the match starting at 15:00 ET and 12:00 PT for viewers in the United States.
In the UK, the game will be shown live on Disney +.
In the US, coverage will be available through ESPN+, with selected fixtures also shown on ESPN channels subject to local broadcast arrangements.