Elche vs Real Betis kicks off in the La Liga at Estadio Martínez Valero.
Elche vs Real Betis kicks off in the La Liga at Estadio Martínez Valero.
Elche vs Real Betis kicks off in the La Liga at Estadio Martínez Valero. The home side returns to the top flight after promotion from the Segunda División, while Betis arrives following another strong campaign that included a European final. Kick-off is set at 21:00 CET.
Elche secured promotion last season by finishing second in the Segunda with 77 points. Under coach Eder Sarabia, the team has developed a clear style and will be eager to impress in their La Liga opener.
Real Betis ended the 2024/25 campaign in 6th place in La Liga. They qualified for the Europa League and made it all the way to the UEFA Conference League final, though they fell short against Chelsea.
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Elche strengthened their squad with several notable additions: Federico Redondo (midfield, Inter Miami), Álvaro Rodríguez (striker), Rafa Mir (on loan), Germán Valera (winger), Léo Pétrot (left-back) and Víctor Chust (centre-back, loan). These reinforcements are expected to add both depth and quality.
Betis had an active transfer window, bringing in Rodrigo Riquelme from Atlético Madrid, Natan permanently from Napoli, and Nelson Deossa from Monterrey. Goalkeeping has been strengthened with Pau López and Álvaro Valles. Departures include Johnny Cardoso, Rui Silva and Borja Iglesias.
For Elche, Álvaro Rodríguez will lead the line, while Aleix Febas and Álvaro Aguado control midfield. Germán Valera offers 1v1 creativity on the wing, and Federico Redondo could play an important role off the bench.
For Betis, Giovani Lo Celso becomes the creative hub in Isco’s absence. Pablo Fornals brings energy and balance in midfield, while Rodrigo Riquelme and Cucho Hernández provide the main attacking threats.
Elche will be without winger Yago Santiago. Bambo Diaby and Josan remain doubtful. New arrivals Rafa Mir and Federico Redondo are available and could make appearances tonight.
Betis are missing Isco for several months with a leg fracture. Ez Abde and Nelson Deossa are also unavailable for the opener.
Dituro – Álvaro Núñez, Affengruber, Bigas, Léo Pétrot – Aguado, Febas – Valera, Mendoza, Morente – Á. Rodríguez
Pau López – Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Junior Firpo – Fornals, Altimira – Ruibal, Lo Celso, Riquelme – Cucho Hernández
Elche vs Real Betis is likely to see Betis dominate possession, with Lo Celso orchestrating play between the lines. The left flank pairing of Junior Firpo and Riquelme could be decisive, while Elche will look to hit on the counter through Rodríguez and Valera. Enthusiasm at home will give Elche a boost, but Betis’ experience may prove decisive.
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Match: Elche vs Real Betis
Competition: La Liga
Date: August 18, 2025
Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Estadio Martínez Valero, Elche