Barcelona Prepares for Key Matches with Joan Gamper Trophy and La Liga Opener

The scoreline in Basel said plenty. The workload at Ciutat Esportiva is saying even more.

With the 5-2 win over FC Basel in the books, Barcelona have plunged straight back into an intense week that will carry them from pre-season tune‑up to the first real tests of the 2026/27 campaign: the Joan Gamper Trophy and Sunday’s La Liga opener against Elche.

Xavi Espart back with the group

One new face – or rather, a returning one – stood out from Monday’s session: Xavi Espart.

The La Masia midfielder, who caught the eye against Basel, was back training with the first team after being granted a short breather. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the youngster had earned a day off following a heavy summer: a demanding pre-season on top of his involvement at the U19 Euros with Spain.

Rest over, Espart was back in the thick of it on Tuesday, completing the full group session under Hansi Flick as the German coach sharpened plans for both the Gamper Trophy and the trip to Elche. Another day, another step into the first‑team rhythm for a player who has used the summer to push his case.

Pedri and Gavi stay in the mix

If Espart represents the future, two established pillars remain firmly in focus.

Pedri and Gavi continued to work with the group, staying fully integrated into collective drills as they follow carefully managed plans. Both midfielders took another step forward on Monday, and the club has kept them on a steady progression in terms of workload and intensity.

Pedri, back from his holidays and gradually building his fitness, is said to be advancing without setbacks. Gavi is on a similar path, following the same structure as the staff balance caution with the need to have their key men ready for competitive action. Neither featured in the friendly win over Basel, a clear sign that Barcelona are prioritising their long‑term readiness over short‑term minutes.

Flick’s final rehearsals

The session again allowed Flick to juggle two priorities at once: putting on a show in the Gamper Trophy and arriving sharp for La Liga’s opening weekend.

This is the hinge week. The German coach is now into his final training blocks before the curtain lifts on a season that will judge how quickly his ideas have taken root. The drills, the tempo, the insistence on details – all of it is geared toward that shift from pre-season rhythm to competitive edge.

Youngsters who have spent much of the summer living this first‑team reality stayed involved. Alvaro Cortes, Brian Farinas, Ebrima Tunkara, Orian Goren, Jordi Pesquer, Hamza Abdelkarim and Eder Aller again trained within the senior dynamic, extending valuable exposure to Flick’s methods and standards.

Spotlight turns to the Gamper – and beyond

Next stop: Spotify Camp Nou.

On Wednesday night, Barcelona will host Egyptian side Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy at 8 p.m., the traditional dress rehearsal in front of their own fans. Before that, the squad will be back at Ciutat Esportiva for a 9:30 a.m. session, one more chance to refine combinations and test legs.

The friendly will offer minutes, clues and maybe a few hints about Flick’s first competitive XI. The real judgment, though, starts on Sunday in Elche.