The football party returns this Monday at 20:00 at the Martinez Valero Stadium, featuring Elche CF. Three months after their last meeting against Getafe on May 22, the Elche squad is back on home soil for a Centennial season clash. They will face a team fighting to stay up, Almería, with roughly 25,000 spectators expected, including about a thousand from Almería.
The Franjiverde arena will be dressed for a match of high importance, even though it marks only the second La Liga fixture. After a 3-0 defeat to Betis in the opener, Francisco’s team cannot afford another stumble. A loss would fuel momentum for the newly promoted Andalusian side and raise early nerves. Elche will face a demanding schedule featuring Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Athletic Club, and Barcelona.
Pressure is not the goal, but it is real for the competition’s sake. There is a clear difference between winning today and dropping points later. The Elche squad and their supporters understand this, aiming to unite for a strong performance that could secure the first three points of the 2022-2023 campaign and bring confidence for a lengthy, competitive season ahead.
To avoid repeating last weekend’s errors at Benito Villamarín, where Betis capitalized on two early goals, Francisco emphasized learning from the game and correcting the openings given to opponents.
Almería arrived with a different mood after their setback at Martínez, having pushed Real Madrid hard for long stretches. Rubi’s side left hopeful, ready to translate that energy into a composed performance without the heavy weight of home pressure.
All indicators point to an evening that could lift Elche. Francisco has welcomed back Lucas Boyé, Pastore, and Raúl Guti after injuries that kept them out of the Betis opener. While they may start on the bench, they will be options to call upon as the match unfolds.
The transfer activity continues around the club. Pol Lirola and Alex Collado have joined Sevilla, though their integration has been tentative so far. Lirola is on loan from Olympique Marseille, while Collado joined from Barcelona. Both players could be part of the starting XI after a week and a half of training with the squad.
Injury news shows Gonzalo Verdú and Fidel Chaves sidelined for two to three weeks, with youth defender John Chetauya suspended after a red card against Betis. Francisco has kept the tactical plan close to the vest, sparking speculation about whether the team will line up with three defenders and two wingers or switch to a four-man backline to boost attacking options at home.
The goalkeeper role remains settled with Edgar Badía, while decisions loom on the right-back position between Helibelton Palacios and the new influence from the left. Midfield choices include Mascarell and Gumbau in central duties, with possible shifts for Peter Milla to the left and Collado to the right as the match progresses. The expected attacking pair could emerge from Ponce and Roger as the spine of the frontline.
Today’s match holds special meaning for Francisco, who returns to a familiar setting and a hometown rivalry that has shaped his coaching career. Almería, his birthplace, stands as one of his most memorable opponents in the second tier, with a history of highs and near-misses in promotion battles. He has previously guided Elche to decisive playoff wins against Almería, and last season’s King’s Cup meeting ended with a 1-2 Elche victory at the Juegos del Mediterráneo. There is hope he can extend that positive run this afternoon-evening.
The atmosphere around the stadium suggests a memorable night for fans and players alike, a chance to launch a steady season with momentum and collective resolve. The goal is clear: build unity, convert chances, and secure three points to start a steady march through a demanding calendar ahead.
Elche’s coaching staff is counting on a disciplined approach and sharp defensive organization to weather the Almería challenge. With squad depth and a renewed focus on exploiting pace and ball control, the team aims to translate preparation into practical impact on the pitch, helping the home crowd savor a hard-fought victory and carry that confidence forward.