Elche CF vs Levante UD: Match Preview, Predicted Lineups & Prediction
Elche CF vs Levante UD: Match Preview & Expert Prediction
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Kick-off: 17:30 UTC / 19:30 Local Time
Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche
Match Overview
The third round of the 2025-26 La Liga season pits two newly promoted sides against each other as Elche CF hosts Levante UD at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. Both teams have had contrasting starts to their top-flight campaigns, making this a pivotal early-season fixture. Elche enters the match with two points from two draws against formidable opponents, while Levante is still searching for its first point after back-to-back defeats. This clash is more than just a game; it's an opportunity for one team to gain crucial momentum and for the other to finally get on the board. The atmosphere promises to be electric as fans from both sides come out in force to support their clubs in this classic rivalry.
How to Watch
For fans in the United States, the match will be broadcast live on **ESPN Deportes** and streamed via **ESPN+** and the **ESPN App**. In other regions, streaming and broadcast options include **fuboTV** and **beIN SPORTS**. Fans are advised to check their local listings for the exact broadcast details to catch every moment of the action.
Predicted Lineups
Elche CF (4-4-2)
Manager: Eder Sarabia Armesto
- Goalkeeper: Dituro
- Defenders: Núñez, Bigas, Affengruber, Petro
- Midfielders: Valera, Aguado, Febas, Jori
- Forwards: A. Rodriguez, R. Mir
Elche Team News: The home side will be without Yago Santiago due to injury, while Adam El Mokhtari is a fitness doubt. Eder Sarabia is likely to stick with the core of the team that has performed impressively against top-tier opposition.
Levante UD (4-4-1-1)
Manager: Julián Calero Fernández
- Goalkeeper: Cuniat
- Defenders: Tolyan, Elchesabal, Cabello, Adri, M. Sanchez
- Midfielders: Rey, Martinez, Brugi, V. Garcia
- Forward: J.L. Morales
- Striker: I. Romero
Levante Team News: Levante will be missing Alfonso Pastor, Kervin Arriaga, and Alan Matturro due to injuries. The visitors will rely on their key offensive players like Morales and Romero to break their losing streak.
Match Preview
Elche's start to the season has been unexpectedly solid, securing draws against the likes of Real Betis and Atlético Madrid. This resilience and ability to compete with top teams, particularly their 1-1 away draw with Atlético, speaks volumes about coach Eder Sarabia Armesto's tactical discipline. The key for Elche will be to maintain their defensive structure while capitalizing on the chances created by forwards like Rafa Mir and Álvaro Rodríguez.
For Levante, the start has been difficult with two losses, including a narrow 3-2 defeat to reigning champions Barcelona. Despite the results, their performance against Barcelona showed significant attacking promise, with goals from Ivan Romero and José Luis Morales. The challenge for Julián Calero's side is to shore up their defensive vulnerabilities while continuing to pose a threat going forward. This match against a direct rival for survival will be a true test of their character and ability to perform under pressure.
Recent Head-to-Head
Levante has had the upper hand in recent encounters, with Elche failing to secure a victory in the last five meetings. However, past results do not always dictate future outcomes, especially with both teams having undergone significant changes since their last La Liga clash.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 10 May 2025 | Segunda División | Elche 1 - 3 Levante |
| 16 Nov 2024 | Segunda División | Levante 1 - 1 Elche |
| 25 Feb 2022 | La Liga | Levante 3 - 0 Elche |
| 18 Sep 2021 | La Liga | Elche 1 - 1 Levante |
| 24 Apr 2021 | La Liga | Elche 1 - 0 Levante |
Prediction
This match promises to be a tight contest between two teams with everything to prove. While Levante's recent history against Elche is strong, the current form favors the home side. Elche's defensive resolve and home-field advantage could be the deciding factor. However, Levante's attacking talent, as showcased against Barcelona, means they are more than capable of finding the back of the net. Given the teams' tendencies and the high stakes, we predict a hard-fought battle with goals for both sides, but Elche may just edge it with a narrow victory.
Predicted Score: Elche CF 2 - 1 Levante UD
