Elche and Sevilla clash in battle of wounded pride at Martínez Valero
Both sides desperate to bounce back from cup disappointments as Elche seek first win of 2026 while Sevilla aim to end three-match losing streak in La Liga
Desperation meets desperation as two sides nursing bruised egos prepare to lock horns in Monday night’s La Liga closer.
Form Guide
Elche enter this one still searching for their first victory of 2026, having gone two league matches without a win. Sarabia’s men drew at Mestalla (1-1) before suffering their first home defeat of the season against Villarreal (1-3). Victory tonight would be massive for their survival hopes while potentially catapulting them to eighth place, right on the doorstep of European qualification.
Sevilla, meanwhile, are in proper Barney Rubble. The Andalusians have lost three consecutive La Liga matches without scoring a single goal, compounded by their Copa del Rey elimination at the hands of Alavés. The drop zone looms just one point away – a far cry from where a club of their stature expects to be.
Team News
Eder Sarabia faces his biggest selection headache of the season with five players unavailable:
- The normally untouchable Álvaro Núñez misses out
- Captain Bigas is also sidelined
- André Silva remains a doubt
Álvaro Rodríguez, the only fully fit striker available, will lead the line once again for the Franjiverdes.
There’s better news for Matías Almeyda’s Sevilla, who welcome back Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke after they secured bronze medals with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their return provides much-needed attacking reinforcements, especially with Rubén Vargas, Januzaj and Alexis Sánchez all remaining in Seville due to injuries.
Key Battle
All eyes will be on the midfield duel between Neto and Agoumé. The Portuguese playmaker has been growing in maturity, bringing creativity, vertical passing and an abundance of technical skills that make him Elche’s engine room. For Sevilla, the French midfielder remains one of the few players in their squad still carrying significant reputation.
The reverse fixture at the Sánchez-Pizjuán ended in a 2-2 draw, suggesting we could be in for another tight affair between two sides desperate to turn their fortunes around.