LaLiga Relegation Battle: Struggling Levante Hosts Elche, Seeking Crucial Home Win
In a pivotal LaLiga encounter, relegation-threatened Levante will host visiting CF Elche. Levante desperately needs to end their winless streak and secure their first home victory of the season, while Elche aims to solidify their mid-table position and potentially push for European qualification. This match holds significant stakes for both sides, promising a fierce contest for vital points.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
Levante UD, after returning to LaLiga EA Sports for the 2025/2026 season, has been struggling significantly, currently sitting 19th in the league table with just 14 points from 19 matches. They are in a serious relegation battle, particularly at home, where they are still searching for their first victory in eight home games, having collected only three points and being the worst-performing home side in recent weeks. In the league, Levante is on a 7-match winless streak and a 5-match losing streak.
On the other hand, visiting CF Elche, promoted from the Segunda División in the 2024-25 season, has shown relatively stable performance this season. They are currently positioned 8th in the league table with 24 points from 20 matches, and are in contention for UEFA Conference League qualification. Although Elche's away form has also been disappointing, with no away wins and only four points from six away trips, their overall situation is significantly better than the hosts. In their earlier encounter this season, Elche secured a 2-0 home victory against Levante.
Recent Form
Levante's recent form is concerning. In their last 5 official matches, they have suffered 5 consecutive defeats and have failed to score in their last 3 matches. Their most recent fixture on January 17th resulted in a 0-2 loss against Real Madrid. Overall, they have not won any of their last seven consecutive matches.
In contrast, Elche's form has been slightly better, as they have not lost their last two matches. On January 19th, Elche drew 2-2 with Sevilla. Prior to that, they drew 1-1 with Valencia on January 10th and lost 1-3 to Villarreal on January 3rd. Elche also secured a significant 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on December 21st, demonstrating their capacity to win.
Key Players & Injury News
For Levante, key attacking players include Karl Etta Eyong, who has scored 5 goals, and Iván Romero, with 4 goals. Captain José Luis Morales and Jeremy Toljan have also been significant contributors in assists. However, the team is grappling with substantial injury concerns: Roger Brugué is out until April 2026 with a ligament injury, and Unai Elgezabal is sidelined until mid-February 2026 due to a meniscus injury. Furthermore, Matías Moreno, Diego Pampín, Víctor García, and Oriol Rey are all doubtful for the match due to various physical issues.
Elche's attack largely relies on Rafa Mir, who is their top scorer with 6 goals. André Silva and Germán Valera have also contributed 4 goals each. Midfield maestros Federico Redondo and Aleix Febas are crucial for orchestrating attacks. Regarding injuries, defender Héctor Fort is out until March with a shoulder injury, and Víctor Chust is suspended due to accumulating five yellow cards. Rafa Mir is doubtful until early February with a muscle injury, and John Donald is also a doubt. André Silva might return but is expected to start from the bench.