The opening eleven chosen by Elche CF’s new head coach Sebastian Beccacece for the first lineup in his tenure has sparked plenty of questions about his tactical approach. The plan is not yet clear—whether the side will deploy three centre-backs with two wingers or settle into a four-man defensive line with additional wide options. One guaranteed feature is Pedro Bigas anchoring the central defence, while Helibelton Palacios and Carmona flank on the right, and Carlos Clerc with Lautaro Blanco operate on the left. The potential for Palacios, Carmona and Clerc to contribute to the defensive spine is evident, but the exact formation will only be revealed once the match gets underway and positions become apparent on the field.
The rest of the lineup follows expectations. Pere Milla is back after nearly two months out and is slated to start up front. In the engine room, Mascarell and Gumbau are expected to shield the back four as the double pivot, with Tete Morente and Fidel forming the attacking group just behind the main striker. Beccacece faced a difficult first game on the bench for Elche, bearing losses across the team. Lucas Boye was unavailable due to suspension after a fifth caution against Real Sociedad the day prior. Pape Sheikh also faced disciplinary action in a previous clash, prompting questions about his future role in the squad. Enzo Roco continued to experience muscle discomfort from the Valladolid match, which kept him from contributing fully two days earlier. Randy Nteka similarly reported adductor soreness. Lisandro Magallán rejoined the group after training on Tuesday and was set to begin on the bench as he builds back match fitness.
Beccacece’s debut against the league leaders
The Argentine coach’s first Elche XI under Beccacece included: Edgar Badia, Helibelton Palacios, Carmona, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Lautaro Blanco, Mascarell, Gumbau, Tete Morente, Fidel, and Pere Milla. A reserve goalkeeper, Axel Werner, was named among the substitutes for potential action should the game require a change in goal or a save-heavy shift.
On the bench, the squad also featured Diego González, Gonzalo Verdú, Lisandro Magallán, Nico Fernández Mercau, Raúl Guti, Josan, Álex Collado, Lirolna, Jhon, and Ezequiel Ponce. These players provide depth across defence, midfield, and attack, allowing Beccacece to adjust to the pace and physicality of the opposition as needed.
Atmosphere at Martínez Valero as the new era begins
In parallel, attention at Martínez Valero focused on how Barcelona would respond to a high-stakes cup clash, with the Catalan club eyeing a semi-final rematch in the Copa del Rey. The first leg left Barça with a narrow lead, and a tough assignment awaited as they prepared to travel for the return leg. Coach Xavi Hernandez faced questions about his squad choices, particularly around which defenders would line up and how the midfield would be shaped to control tempo and pressing intent. Injuries and suspensions also influenced selection, with some players unavailable for the visit and others carrying knocks that could impact minutes off the bench.
Speculation suggested Xavi might deploy a four-man back line at times, keeping Busquets available for later phases of the match while balancing defensive duties with the need to build attacks through the middle and wide positions. The starting XI for Barça typically aimed to maximize ball progression from the back, with Ter Stegen in goal and a back line anchored by Koundé, Araujo, and Marcos Alonso, while Eric García and Jordi Alba offered additional cover on either flank. Midfield saw a familiar combination featuring Gavi and other creative talents, while the forward line included Lewandowski on top with supporting runs from players like Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati. The bench featured experienced players who could come on to influence both the tempo and the pressing cadence if the game demanded it.
As the two sides prepared for kickoff, fans anticipated a tactical duel that could hinge on how Beccacece’s Elche would defend and whether their midfield could pin Barcelona back in midfield battles. The atmosphere around the stadium promised a festival of football, with supporters hoping for a disciplined performance that could translate into a successful start for the new Elche era and a strong response from Barça in a high-stakes cup setting.
When the action commenced, both coaches would be watching closely to see how defensive shapes evolved and which players found the most productive spaces. The fixtures between these two sides have a history of intensity, and this encounter was expected to deliver a blend of tactical rigor and individual moments of quality as teams sought to claim a valuable advantage in the pursuit of progress in domestic cup competition and league matters alike.