Elche Aims for a Win as Sevilla Visit Martinez Valero
Elche CF faces a crucial late-season test as coach Sebastian Beccacece reshapes the starting XI for the home clash with Sevilla FC at Martinez Valero. The kickoff is set for seven-thirty in the evening, promising a vibrant atmosphere as the crowd backs the home side. The match follows Elche’s trip to Getafe, where Beccacece pushed two personnel changes to inject aggression and balance. Josan and Nico Fernandez take prominent roles on the flanks, replacing Magallán and Lautaro Blanco, who start on the bench. The move signals a commitment to pressure and attacking intent that has defined Beccacece’s campaign this season.
The lineup shifts reflect ongoing assessments of fitness and form. A stable core remains, but the coach is testing options to maximize energy in the front half. The staff is confident the new pairing will sharpen transitions and bolster support for the forwards in the final third. Players must contribute to a solid, compact defense when Sevilla presses high, while remaining ready to exploit counter chances when the opportunity arises.
The injury picture weighs on the plans. Omar Mascarell is nearing the end of a recovery from a left quadriceps issue, with a return anticipated in the closing fixtures. His presence would bring added defensive solidity and tempo control in midfield. There is caution surrounding his comeback, as coaches weigh the risk of re-aggravation. He could return against Athletic Club Bilbao on the next Sunday, with a potential final-round appearance against Cádiz if clearance comes in time.
Jose Angel Carmona, who missed the opener against Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán due to five yellow cards, will be unavailable for the current tie with his parent club. On loan from Sevilla to Elche, Carmona has been sidelined for over six months after a knee ligament tear suffered in early April. Even if he recovers, rejoining match fitness this season would be challenging, and his progress will be watched closely as the campaign ends.
Injury concerns also extend to Helibelton Palacios and Diego Gonzalez, who did not travel to Getafe because of muscle issues and have not yet shown signs of recovery. Their absence narrows Beccacece’s options on the defensive flanks but opens chances for others to step up and meet the demands of a busy league schedule.
Elche continues to display fighting spirit and a clear plan to entertain the home crowd with an assertive game. Supporters hope the tweaks translate into a performance that brings joy to the stands and secures valuable points as the season nears its conclusion. The setup emphasizes pressing high, rapid transitions, and disciplined shape when Sevilla moves through midfield. The challenge is significant, but the players are primed to give their all in a match that could shape the remainder of Elche’s campaign.
Elche’s preferred starting XI for this match featured Edgar Badia in goal, followed by a back line of Josan, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, and Nico Fernandez Mercau. In midfield, John Chetauya and Fidel Chaves played alongside Gerard Gumbau and Tete Morente, while Randy Nteka supported the lone striker Lucas Boyé. The bench offered depth with Axel Werner, Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdú, Lisandro Magallán, Lautaro Blanco, Pol Lirola, Raúl Guti, Pape Cheikh, Álex Collado, Pere Milla, Ezequiel Ponce, and more young talents ready to contribute as needed. The decision-makers aimed to balance readiness with adaptability to Sevilla’s lineup shifts that could quicken the pace of the game.
On social platforms, both teams shared updates and tactical previews. Sevilla’s official posts highlighted the expected starting XI and readiness to compete at the Sánchez Pizjuán and beyond, while Elche circulated energy around their upcoming challenge. The clash represented more than three points; it was a chance for both sides to assert identity and end the season with pride as fans await which squad seizes the initiative on the night.
In summary, Elche’s approach against Sevilla blends aggressive pressing with solid midfield organization, a formula aimed at disrupting the visitors and creating chances in attack. With key players delivering in crucial moments and others stepping into bigger roles due to injuries or rotation, the Martinez Valero clash looked set to be a compelling chapter in the late-season narrative for both clubs.