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Elche travels to Almería with a point to prove and a clear aim: keep the relegation math at bay for as long as possible. The clash, a vital late-season fixture, starts at 19:30 local time on the 33rd matchday of La Liga at Power Horse Stadium, the venue historically known as the Mediterranean Games Stadium. For both teams it feels almost like a final, yet the stakes tilt more heavily toward Almería, who sit just two points above the drop zone and know every result could redefine their fate.
Elche faces a potential direct slide to the second tier today. If they fail to win, the relegation becomes mathematical with 15 points still up for grabs, and their gap to safety sits at 17, a margin that Valencia and Almería, both on 33 points, have kept within reach.
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For the first time this season, Beccacece is intent on securing a second straight win for the squad. That means any lineup decision could be unsettled, as Edgar Badía did not travel with the group due to paternity reasons. Although the club did not issue an official call in time and the journey from Almería is roughly two hours by car, the absence is unlikely to derail the plan if circumstances had allowed.
Edgar Badia does not travel with Elche to Almería
VL Deltel
Werner is back
The absence of Badía opens the door for Áxel Werner, the second-choice goalkeeper for Elche CF, who previously stepped in during the Girona match a few weeks back. The rest of Beccacece’s preferred lineup from the win over Rayo Vallecano is expected to be close to the same, with Martinez remaining at Valero. In defense, the back line could feature Carlos Clerc and Magallán as center-backs, Lautaro Blanco at left back, and Josan on the right. The midfield may see Jonh and Gumbau in the middle, with Fidel and Tete deployed on the flanks. Up front, the strike duo would likely be Argentine Lucas Boyé alongside Catalan Pere Milla.
Injury setbacks continue to impact the squad, and the coach indicated it would be premature to rest any player who is still in physical recovery. Returning to the squad are players such as Raúl Guti, Bigas, Verdú, Roco, Nico, Lirola, Collado, Cheikh, Diego González, Ponce, along with local talents Pamies and goalkeeper Jesús López. Nteka, who joined on loan in January, featured against Rayo but started on the bench in the latest league outing. A total of 24 players traveled for the trip.
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On the Almería bench, coach Joan Francesc Ferrer “Rubi” is determined to reclaim the positive vibe his side showed in Getafe’s venue, even after a tough result at the Bernabéu. The squad could be closer to a decisive win with the anticipated return of Serbian defender Srdjan Babic, who will partner Rodrigo Ely in the center of defense following the completion of his suspension. Chumi could line up on the right, with Akieme on the left. In the middle and ahead, the options may include Melero, De la Hoz, Adrián Embarba, Batistao, and Colombian striker Luis Suárez.
Elche has not suffered a defeat against Almería in previous matches this season. The first half of the schedule saw both visits end in draws, a testament to the tight tactical balance between the teams. Beccacece’s squad is intent on rewriting that pattern, hoping to deliver a new, joyful moment for their supporters.