It is time to replace the chip while preserving the same intensity and stability. Elche CF shifts its focus from league progress to the Copa del Rey, aiming to advance as far as possible. The Franjiverde coach clearly stated the plan: Sebastian Beccacece will manage lineup decisions for the second round as Elche travels to Linares in the Copa del Rey clash.
Beccacece: “We must welcome Linares with enthusiasm to continue dreaming in the cup”
VL Deltell
The Elche squad completed its final training session at the Martínez Valero stadium before heading to Jaén by bus for the Cup tie against Linares in Linares stadium.
As in the first round against Europe, Beccacece will rotate players, giving minutes to those who have rarely featured in the league and to those recently returning from injury. Fidel Chaves and Borja Garcés are two players who should be in the starting XI.
Europa-Elche Cup Chronicle: Mourad and Rodri pay another round
JA Galvan
The coach is cautious about Sergio León, managing him carefully to prevent relapse. Two players who typically contribute in attack are unavailable for travel due to injuries: central defender Alex Martin and midfielder Raul Guti.
John Chetauya had previously appeared in a cup match against Linares as part of his comeback after fibula surgery in July, but Beccacece ruled him out for this fixture, indicating a likely return only after the break.
Beccacece chose to rest Tete Morente and Óscar Plano, while Borja Garcés continues to be one of the most in-form forwards and Morente remains a central creative force. Óscar Plano is the club’s top scorer with five goals to date.
The coach concluded the session by naming four youngsters in the squad: Rodrigo Mendoza, Adam Boayer, Javi Pamies and Ali. Nordin, another young prospect, did not travel this time.
With a full forward line including Mourad, Borja Garcés and Sergio León, Beccacece opted to stay content with the group at Elche and focused on giving the best possible conditions for the cup run. The youth teams are also preparing for Saturday’s important derby, while Linares pursues a Copa del Rey lead with an ambitious stance.
Tete Morente and Óscar Plano rest in the Cup and do not travel to Elche and Linares
JA Galvan
The players who will have the chance to shine are those who have stood out in the league. Edgar Badia will guard the goal in the Cup, reclaiming his place after a league bench spell, and will be keen to make an impact in Linares.
Edgar Badia will play again in Copa del Rey
Diego González and Salinas appear settled in a defensive line, with the youth squad also set to be involved. David Pamies has already made his first-team debut, and more minutes could follow for him this afternoon.
Rodrigo Mendoza and Adam also had league minutes and may be in the starting lineup for this cup tie, while Cristian Salvador and Lautaro Blanco were expected to play more roles this season and will be given a chance to influence Beccacece’s plans in Linares.
The forward line remains the main doubt, with Borja Garcés favored to start alongside Mourad. There is also the possibility that the Spanish-Moroccan forward may depart early, just as he did in previous rounds against Europa and the youth side Atlético de Madrid, if Beccacece deems a different composition necessary for the match.
As the game edges closer and only three league fixtures remain before the Christmas break, the Argentine coach may bring in regulars for early action. However, Beccacece is cautious not to risk the squad, considering a tight schedule ahead in the first round’s final stretch with Cartagena, Oviedo and Mirandés, all within nine days.
A potential surprise opponent
HE Sports Lines predicts a tight contest against Elche during a challenging period for the visitors. Linares, under new coaching, aims to climb to the upper reaches of Primera RFEF Group II, chasing a strong cup performance after a season with mixed results. The change in leadership has brought renewed energy to the squad after a difficult run, with David Campaña replacing Oscar Fernandez and suffering a defeat on his debut against Castellón (4-1).
David Campaña will manage Linares in the cup match against Elche
JA Galvan
Linares faces a test of character against a prominent side while maintaining modest ambitions. Their cup run began with a shoot-out victory over UCAM de Murcia after a goalless draw in regular time, securing a pathway to the next round.
Linares’ home ground, Linarejos stadium, opened in 1956 and accommodates around 10,000 spectators. The venue provides a proper stage for a cup clash and allows Linares supporters to push their team toward an upset. The surface for this fixture is natural grass, a favorable condition for a side seeking to leverage technical play against higher-tier competition. This setup is particularly appreciated when facing teams from stronger leagues that typically require higher levels of technique.