Elche CF approach Copa del Rey with confidence after unbeaten run

Elche CF begin their Copa del Rey campaign this Tuesday, October 27, with a trip to face Pinatar in the Round of 128. The Franjiverde side arrives in high spirits after putting together a three-match unbeaten run in La Liga, a vein of form they aim to carry into the cup competition. In the league, the team sits 15th with 10 points from two wins, four draws, and four losses, and their recent form over the last five matches is two wins, two draws, and one loss.

The team currently sits 15th in the La Liga standings, with 10 points from two wins, four draws, and four losses. Their last match was their best result of the season, a convincing 0-3 away win against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday 24 October. In that game, Federico Redondo and Fer Niño, the team's top scorer with six goals in ten appearances this campaign, netted from the penalty spot, while Germán Valera sealed the victory in the second half. This win adds to other recent results like the goalless draw against Villarreal on Saturday 17 October and the goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo on Sunday 11 October.

The cup tie represents a change of pace and opposition, but the team's intention is clear: to maintain the solidity shown recently. In their last three league outings, besides the win over Rayo, Elche secured two goalless draws, first against Villarreal and then at home to Celta Vigo. This positive streak has helped stabilise the team's position in the lower half of the table, though the side trails leaders Barcelona by 17 points. Overall this season, the team has scored 14 goals and conceded 17, for a goal difference of -3.

The starting lineup from the last match, with Dituro in goal and an attacking trio of Cepeda, Fer Niño, and Valera, could see changes given the nature of the competition. The schedule is demanding, as Elche will host Valencia, who are 19th in the table, at the Martínez Valero on Sunday 1 November in a direct clash in the relegation battle. Therefore, the coaching staff is likely to make some rotations to tackle both commitments effectively.

The immediate goal is to overcome this first cup round and continue progressing in a tournament that always generates hope. The match against Pinatar, kicking off at 19:00 local time, is the first step.