The Copa del Rey offers Elche a welcome early gift from the Three Wise Men. A First Division opponent awaits in the next round of the knockout tournament, and the match will take place at the Martínez Valero stadium on either January 6 or 7, aligning with Three Kings Day, or possibly on the following weekend if dates shift. The stage is set for a decisive clash that will define Elche’s progress in the competition.
Draft details for the last 32 portion of the Cup show the draw will occur on Tuesday, December 12, at 13:00 in the Luis Aragonés meeting hall within Ciudad del Fútbol. Once the draw is completed, clubs will learn who will host each tie, with lower-tier teams entering as the designated home side if applicable, and the schedules for the round will be confirmed.
What firsts could Elche achieve?
Following a 1-3 victory over Linares Deportivo this Thursday, it is clear that Elche CF will face a team from La Liga in the next round. The draw reveals thirteen top-tier clubs that could travel to Martínez Valero, bringing high-stakes matchups. Among the potential opponents are Villarreal, Getafe, Valencia, Rayo Vallecano, Alavés, Real Sociedad, Betis, Mallorca, Sevilla, Las Palmas, Athletic Club, Girona, and Celta. Notably absent from the Super Cup field are Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and Osasuna, yet the possibilities remain intriguing for Elche’s cup run.
Elche eliminated Linares and eyes a top finish in the Cup
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Why a Primera Division clash is likely
Elche is positioned to meet a Primera División side for several reasons. The competition is undergoing a review with numerous documents under assessment. Some teams from the Segunda RFEF are in play for the remaining spots, with potential matchups against Primera RFEF clubs such as Castellón, Unionistas Salamanca, Málaga, or Lugo, depending on the outcomes of the current round. The path to the round of 16 could still feature a mix of Primera and lower-tier clubs, maintaining competitive balance and excitement for the fans.
If Elche advances, the schedule would narrow to a last-32 one-game format where a Primera side awaits at Valero. Victory would push them into the round of 16, creating a new set of formidable challenges and a potential dream matchup in the next phase.
Go for the dream, seize the moment
The Copa del Rey format is crafted to generate dramatic upsets where smaller clubs can topple heavyweights on home soil. A path exists for an upset or two this season, and a team like Elche could strike a remarkable result with the right combination of drive and discipline. The absence of over-dramatization and the steady growth shown by the squad under Beccacece lend credibility to such a dream, making the prospect feel tangible rather than far-fetched.
Beccacece: Elche showed maturity and kept composure after the draw
JA Galvan
This stage of the competition operates as a single-elimination affair, so Elche must win at Martínez Valero to advance to the round of 16. A home victory would set up a fresh challenge and keep the cup surge alive for the squad and its supporters.