Pablo Machín spoke before the 23rd fixture of La Liga, framing why teams fall short: one side lacks efficiency on the pitch while the other capitalizes with precision in attack and solidity in defense. That was his message as Elche prepared to host Betis at Martínez Valero this evening (21:00).
Machín urged his squad to match Betis in accuracy and to take the field with a sense of rebellion and pride. Those qualities were already part of the team’s approach. The coach pointed to the painful defeat against Espanyol, noting a tally of 15 players involved in the effort. The task now is to convert that energy into results. The evolution behind the scene is clear: most rivals aside from Madrid have waned in form, yet uncontrollable moments continue to surface. Mistakes, red cards, injuries—misfortune has shadowed Elche from the start of the season, and Machín believes progress will only come from the players themselves.
numbers
Support from the stands won’t be the decisive factor. Nor will the attitude alone carry the day. The statistics, however, form a heavy ledger for Elche to bear. With only 9 points secured and a single win against a lower-division side, the Greens find themselves near the bottom of the table as Betis eyes Champion positions in both historical and current contexts. Elche’s last win at their home stadium against Betis traces back to 1985.
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Elche faces a depleted squad on the Betis side as well. Sergio Canales is unavailable, and Betis arrives without a few key attackers. Pere Milla, the top scorer, remains out, while winger José Ángel Carmona was sent off last Sunday. Randy Nteka’s status remains uncertain until kickoff, though Machín indicated that even a few minutes could help his case.
Nteka is suspicious
The French striker did not train with the group this week due to gastroenteritis and had muscle discomfort on the last day. Verdú also faces significant doubts due to knee trouble yesterday, while Álex Collado and John Chetauya remain out as they recover from long injuries.
When the Elche lineup is announced, changes are expected once again. Edgar Badía remains a constant between the posts, delivering steady performances this season. Magallán has recently been cleared of a muscle issue after a bout with Espanyol. The likely pairing in central defense could be Enzo Roco alongside Helibelton Palacios, with Bigas or González stepping in as needed for the back line.
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Clerc might operate in the lanes, Pol Lirola’s return appears likely, and Josan could also feature. Palacios is expected to take a central defensive role, with another defender entering the lineup. In midfield, Gumbau and Mascarell are indispensable for Machín. Up front, Lucas Boyé and Eze Ponce are the natural choices on the flanks. Fidel could miss out, having stepped up in recent weeks.
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Betis may line up with Rui Silva in goal; Sabaly, Luiz Felipe, Victor Ruiz, and Abner in defense. Carvalho and Guardado occupy the middle of the park, with Juanmi, Luiz Henrique, Fekir, and Borja Iglesias completing the attacking quartet.