Francisco set up a new approach for Elche CF as they prepared to face Rayo Vallecano, aiming to assert control from the opening whistle. The coach signaled a clear intent to reshape the starting XI, making five changes from the previous lineup in what is typically a high-stakes clash played late at night. Turned to Camp Nou’s bigger-stage atmosphere and the memory of prior meetings, the tactical plan leaned on a fresh formation, balancing a sturdy backline with dynamic attacking options. The impression left by this decision is that the manager wants to press high up the pitch, disrupt Rayo Vallecano’s build-up, and exploit quick transitions when possession is won. In practical terms, the system features three central defenders, two wide players in defense, and four men ready to advance in attack, a setup designed to stretch the opponent and create spaces on the flanks where the team believes it can hurt them most. The overall strategy appears geared toward maintaining solidity at the back while turning defense into rapid offensive thrusts when opportunities arise.
Argentine attacker Fede Fernández is handed a debut start, a moment that carries notable expectations as he integrates into the squad. The coach has paired Helibelton Palacios with Lirola in a combination that marks their first-time collaboration on the field, a pairing that will be watched closely to see how they balance defense and width on the right. In midfield, Raúl Guti, Gerard Gumbau, and Domingos Quina are entrusted with the responsibilities of controlling tempo, recycling possession, and supplying clever through balls for the forwards. Roger Martí and Lucas Boyé stand as the principal references in attack, offering movements that aim to pull defenders out of shape and create pockets for themselves or teammates to exploit. The choice to deploy these players together reflects a deliberate attempt to cover space effectively, maintain pressing pressure, and ensure that the team can sustain pressure in both phases of play. The coordination among midfielders and forwards will be crucial in determining how quickly the team can transition from defense to attack and how effectively they can exploit any gaps left by the opponent’s rearguard.
Elche’s intended starting XI unfolds as follows: Edgar Badia anchors the defense in goal, with Helibelton Palacios and Fede Fernández forming the central defensive axis alongside Diego González. Carlos Clerc operates on the left, while Lirola takes up a role on the right, providing both defensive support and the width required to pin back Rayo Vallecano’s left-sided threats. The midfield engine room is manned by Raúl Guti, Gerard Gumbau, and Quina, who will be tasked with breaking lines, closing down spaces, and feeding the attackers with decisive passes. Up front, Roger Martí and Lucas Boyé carry the main threat, with Boyé looking to stretch the defense with running channels and Martí providing savvy movement to pull opponents out of position. The tactical arrangement suggests that Lirola can adopt a true right-wing role in possession, delivering crosses and cut-backs, while Palacios could invert into a wider position to cover space on the flank. In defense, the Colombian Palacios has the flexibility to stay wider or tuck inside, depending on how the match unfolds and how Rayo’s left flank—led by Álvaro and Fran García—presses forward. The plan is to deny the opponent space on the left and steer the play toward the other channels where the team believes it has stronger control.
Two reserve goalkeepers will be on the bench, ready to cover contingencies: Axel Werner and Jesus Lopez. The squad also includes Enzo Roco, John Chetauya, Nico Fernández Mercau, Álex Collado, Josan, Tete Morente, Pere Milla, and Ezequiel Ponce, providing depth across the spine and wings. This wealth of options reflects the manager’s intent to adjust the tactical picture if circumstances demand it—whether to inject more pace on the wings, add a second striker, or reinforce the middle of the park. The inclusion of several versatile players ensures that the team can respond to the dynamics of the game, making substitutions that maintain intensity, balance, and pressing pressure as the match evolves. The depth also signals a strategic emphasis on flexibility, permitting on-the-fly changes to chase the result should it be necessary while keeping the core shape intact to resist counterattacks from the opposition.