Xavi, Lewandowski, and the Blazing Heat in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — On Thursday in Las Vegas, the air outside felt like it was coming straight out of an industrial blast furnace. Even the stiff breeze and a spot in the shade offered no respite. It was as if the entire city were enclosed in a brick pizza oven. The temperatures were staggeringly high, and the thermometer read 110º F / 44º C just moments before Barça took to the training pitch at Cashman Field, the home of the USL's Las Vegas Lights.

But despite the extreme climate here in the middle of the Mojave Desert, it was not enough to keep FC Barcelona from completing their first training session since arriving in Las Vegas at midday. Xavi was there. So was Robert Lewandowski. The manager directed his first workout since overcoming a visa delay and arriving in Miami the day before. The Polish striker was partaking in his first workout with the group — he had only trained individually since signing with Barça.

Ferran Torres and Pjanić, back with the group

Also out on the field with the rest of their teammates were Ferran Torres and Miralem Pjanić. Torres had been working out individually in recent days. Pjanić was rejoining the team in the US after returning from Nice, France, where he was present for the birth of his son.

Barça face Real Madrid on Saturday evening at Allegiant Stadium. It will be the second ever El Clásico held in the United States.