Sevilla will be aiming to build momentum and secure back-to-back victories in Spain’s top flight when they welcome newly promoted Elche to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Friday evening. The Andalusian giants, currently sitting 12th in the La Liga standings, are fresh off a much-needed 2-0 triumph over Girona—a result that not only lifted spirits within the camp but also eased the mounting pressure on head coach Matías Almeyda following a rocky start to the 2025–26 campaign. Their opponents, Elche, have enjoyed a promising return to the top division, occupying seventh place after three matches, and will arrive in Seville with confidence after dispatching Levante 2-0 before the international break. With both sides seeking to consolidate their early-season form, the clash promises to be a compelling encounter between a team in transition and one eager to prove its top-flight credentials.
Sevilla’s season began in disarray, with consecutive defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Getafe casting early doubts over the squad’s readiness and cohesion. The loss to Bilbao was particularly disheartening, as Los Nervionenses looked disjointed and lacked the intensity expected of a side with European pedigree. The subsequent defeat to Getafe only compounded the frustration, with defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the final third highlighting the team’s vulnerabilities. Almeyda, appointed in the summer to steer the club out of its recent malaise, found himself under immediate scrutiny. The Argentine tactician, known for his passionate touchline demeanor and tactical flexibility, demanded a reaction—and he got one. In their third outing, Sevilla finally clicked, delivering a composed and clinical performance against Girona. Goals from Alfon Gonzalez and Isaac Romero not only secured three vital points but also offered a glimpse of the potential that Almeyda’s side might unlock as the season progresses.
The victory over Girona was more than just a statistical rebound—it was a psychological turning point. Sevilla’s 17th-place finish last season, just a single point above the relegation zone, marked their worst campaign since the ignominious drop in 2000–01. That brush with relegation sent shockwaves through the club, prompting a summer of introspection and restructuring. Almeyda’s arrival was part of a broader effort to restore identity and competitiveness. The club moved decisively in the transfer market, bringing in seven new faces to rejuvenate the squad. However, the departures of Loïc Badé to Bayer Leverkusen and Dodi Lukebakio to Benfica left notable voids, especially in defensive solidity and attacking flair. The challenge for Almeyda has been to integrate the new arrivals while instilling a coherent tactical philosophy—one that balances Sevilla’s traditional attacking verve with the discipline required to navigate a grueling league campaign.
Historically, Sevilla have been a fixture in the upper echelons of La Liga, finishing fourth in three consecutive seasons between 2020 and 2022. That period was marked by a blend of experienced leadership and youthful exuberance, with the likes of Ivan Rakitić, Jules Koundé, and Lucas Ocampos playing pivotal roles. However, the subsequent decline has been steep and troubling. The team’s finishes of 12th, 14th, and 17th over the past three seasons reflect a loss of direction and consistency. Injuries, managerial instability, and underwhelming recruitment have all contributed to the downturn. Almeyda’s task is not merely to stabilize the ship but to rekindle the ambition that once made Sevilla a feared opponent both domestically and in Europe. The win over Girona was a step in the right direction, but the real test lies in sustaining that level of performance and translating it into a coherent run of results.
Elche, on the other hand, are riding a wave of optimism following their promotion from the Segunda División. Under the stewardship of Eder Sarabia, the Valencian outfit finished second last season, showcasing a brand of football that combined defensive resilience with incisive counter-attacking play. Sarabia, a former assistant to Quique Setién at Barcelona, has brought a modern tactical approach to Elche, emphasizing positional fluidity and ball retention. Their start to life back in La Liga has been commendable. Draws against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid demonstrated their ability to compete with established top-flight sides, while the 2-0 victory over Levante highlighted their attacking efficiency. Rafa Mir and Rodrigo Mendoza, both on the scoresheet in that match, have emerged as key figures in Sarabia’s system, offering pace, movement, and a clinical edge in the final third.
Elche’s current position in seventh place is a testament to their early-season organization and belief. It is worth noting, however, that the club has not finished higher than 13th in La Liga since the 1974–75 season, when they claimed an impressive eighth-place finish. That historical context underscores the magnitude of the challenge facing Sarabia and his squad. To defy the odds and establish themselves as a mid-table force, Elche will need to maintain their tactical discipline and continue extracting maximum value from their squad. The summer transfer window was a whirlwind for the club, with 13 new players arriving and an equal number departing. Such turnover can be destabilizing, but Sarabia appears to have managed the transition effectively, blending new signings with existing talent to create a cohesive unit.
The head-to-head record between Sevilla and Elche favors the hosts, with Los Nervionenses winning 14 of the last 50 meetings across all competitions. Elche’s last victory over Sevilla came in March 2021, a result that remains a rare highlight in their recent encounters. Their most recent clash, in May 2023, ended in a 1-1 draw—a result that reflected Elche’s growing competitiveness and Sevilla’s struggles. Friday’s match offers Elche a chance to rewrite the narrative and assert themselves against a historically dominant opponent. For Sevilla, it is an opportunity to reinforce their resurgence and demonstrate that the win over Girona was not a one-off.
Team news adds further intrigue to the fixture. Sevilla could hand debuts to several late-window signings, including Batista Mendy, Fabio Cardoso, Alexis Sánchez, and César Azpilicueta. Of the quartet, Azpilicueta is the most likely to start, given his experience and leadership qualities. The veteran defender, formerly of Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, brings a wealth of top-level pedigree and could be instrumental in organizing Sevilla’s backline. Almeyda, however, is expected to reward the players who delivered against Girona, meaning wholesale changes are unlikely. The emphasis will be on continuity and building chemistry within the starting XI. Injuries remain a concern, with Joan Jordán ruled out and late fitness tests required for Tanguy Nianzou, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke. Their availability could influence Almeyda’s tactical choices, particularly in midfield and attack.
Elche, by contrast, are in relatively good health. The only notable absentee could be Yago Santiago, who is nursing a minor knock. Sarabia is expected to stick with the same lineup that overcame Levante, a decision that reflects both the quality of the performance and the importance of maintaining rhythm. Rafa Mir will continue to lead the line, supported by the dynamic Rodrigo Mendoza and the promising Álvaro Rodríguez, a former Real Madrid youth product who has impressed with his technical ability and work rate. Elche’s back five has been a cornerstone of their early success, providing defensive solidity and allowing wing-backs to contribute in attack. Pedro Bigas, the captain and central figure in the defensive trio, will once again marshal the backline, offering composure and aerial strength.
Tactically, the match presents a fascinating contrast. Sevilla, under Almeyda, are gradually shifting towards a more possession-oriented style, with an emphasis on vertical passing and quick transitions. The midfield trio, likely anchored by Nemanja Gudelj, will be tasked with controlling the tempo and feeding the wide players, who are expected to stretch Elche’s compact defensive shape. Isaac Romero, fresh off his goal against Girona, will be a key outlet on the flank, while Alfon Gonzalez’s movement between the lines could disrupt Elche’s defensive organization. The presence of Azpilicueta, if confirmed, would add tactical flexibility, allowing Sevilla to switch between a back four and a back three depending on the game state.
Elche, meanwhile, will rely on their structured 5-3-2 formation, designed to absorb pressure and exploit spaces on the counter. Sarabia’s side has shown a knack for transitioning quickly from defense to attack, with Mir and Mendoza capable of stretching defenses and creating chances from limited possession. The midfield trio, likely featuring Gerard Gumbau and Nicolás Fernández, will need to be disciplined in tracking Sevilla’s runners and breaking up play. Set pieces could also play a decisive role, with both teams possessing aerial threats and well-rehearsed routines.
Beyond the tactical battle, the match carries emotional weight for both clubs. For Sevilla, it is about reclaiming pride and reestablishing their identity as a competitive force in Spanish football. The fans at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán will be eager to see signs of progress and commitment, especially after enduring a turbulent few seasons. Almeyda’s ability to galvanize the squad and instill belief will be under the microscope. For Elche, the fixture represents a chance to make a statement—to show that their promotion was not merely a fleeting achievement but the beginning of a sustained presence in La Liga. Sarabia’s project is still in its infancy, but early signs suggest a team capable of punching above its weight.
