Elche CF is set to face Linares Deportivor in the Copa del Rey second round on Thursday, December 7, at 20:00. The match will be staged at the Linarejos Municipal Stadium, a venue that hosts Linares as they compete in the Primera RFEF. Once the draw was announced, Elche began preparations focused on the cup clash, though recent information from Linares has raised questions about the team’s setup. The Linares club recently dismissed its head coach, and internal changes have rattled the squad as they prepare to challenge Elche in a knockout format where every result matters.
Elche faces the Andalusian side in the Cup
VL Deltell
Linares has moved into Primera RFEF II, currently sitting in fifth place in their group with relegation concerns looming. The table doesn’t reflect a team that planned to surge early in the campaign, as Linares has posted just 12 points from 3 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses in the first 13 games. The situation indicates a squad in transition, aiming to stabilize and build momentum in the remaining rounds.
The recent change at Linares followed the departure of a former Valencia Mestalla trainer, along with stints in Greece, and stints with Asteras Tripoli, Atlético de Madrid B, and Almería among others. The Jaén club decided to replace the manager as they search for stability. Pedro Bolaños has stepped in as interim manager, guiding preparations for the cup tie while the club seeks a permanent solution to strengthen the side ahead of key fixtures.
Óscar Fernández, a familiar name in the regional scene, spoke at a press briefing about the club’s direction and the challenges ahead. The focus for Linares is clear: respond with a spirited display in front of their home crowd and take advantage of any opportunity Elche might give them in the cup duel. The matchup presents a chance for Linares to showcase resilience and to pull off a notable result against a higher-division opponent.
The Franjiverde side enters the game as clear favorites, given their higher tier status and broader experience in cup competitions. Yet the mood around Linares has sharpened since the managerial change, and the new leadership has infused a sense of urgency. The cup format rewards bold defending and swift counterattacks, and Linares could leverage home-field advantage while Elche carries the weight of expectation from supporters who want to see a deep run in the tournament.
As the teams prepare for kickoff, observers expect Elche to bring balance and experience. Their approach will likely rely on control in midfield and effective utilization of width to stretch Linares and create scoring chances. Linares, meanwhile, will look to press high and disrupt the rhythm of the opposition, aiming to force mistakes and convert them into opportunities at Linarejos. The result will hinge on discipline, game management, and the ability to convert chances when they arise.
Fans should anticipate an engaging clash that blends cup atmosphere with the pressure of a knockout format. Elche’s track record in cup competitions suggests a composed performance, but Linares’ fresh leadership could spark a competitive response. The match promises an intriguing dynamics where experience meets fresh intent, and the eventual winner will take another step in the pursuit of a memorable cup run.
The upcoming fixture will be remembered for the tactical decisions made by both sides and for the intensity shown by players on the field. This round of the Copa del Rey remains a proving ground for Linares as they navigate the challenges of facing a higher-tier opponent, while Elche aims to advance with a performance that reflects their pedigree and ambition in the competition. The outcome is still uncertain, but the narrative around this encounter is rich with the potential for an entertaining and pivotal result for both teams.