Elche CF is targeting its first win of the LaLiga EA Sports season this Friday away at Racing Santander. Martín Anselmi's side travels to El Sardinero with one point from two matches, following a draw at Deportivo La Coruña and a heavy 0-5 home defeat to Barcelona.
Manager Martín Anselmi has focused this week on restoring the team's identity seen on the opening day. The Argentine coach wants a compact Elche without the ball and brave in building from the back. "The result of the last game must not confuse us and make us believe we were a total disaster," Anselmi stated in the preview. His aim is to correct errors without abandoning the style he is implementing.
A key doubt lies in central defence. Pedro Bigas, now recovered from knee discomfort, is competing for a place with Fede Redondo, who started the first two matches but struggled against Barça. In attack, Facundo Buonanotte, who impressed with a shot against the post versus Barcelona, is pushing for a starting spot. Ezequiel Ponce is also gaining ground to lead the line instead of Fer Niño.
The possible lineup would feature Matías Dituro in goal, a back three of David Affengruber, Víctor Chust, and either Bigas or Redondo, with Buba Sangaré and Germán Valera on the flanks. In midfield, Gonzalo Villar and Marc Aguado would be key, with Buonanotte, Ali Houary, and Ponce up front.
The Cantabrian side managed by José Alberto also has just one point and is seeking its first victory. They retain much of the identity from their last season in the second division. Anselmi expects a vertical opponent that looks to create scoring chances quickly to rally their fans. Their main reference is Sergio Canales, who plays with freedom ahead of a double pivot where Gustavo Puerta is important.
Racing's forward line could feature Andrés Martín and Íñigo Vicente on the wings, with Asier Villalibre and Yassir Zabiri competing for the striker role. In goal, Julen Agirrezabala is favoured to start. The match represents an immediate test of Elche's ability to react after a difficult result.
The team faces its third official match of the 2026/27 season. In the first matchday clash against Deportivo La Coruña, Elche showed character to come from behind and rescue a point.
The squad, currently positioned in the lower-middle section of the standings, needs to convert promising phases of play into tangible results. The key, according to Anselmi, will be staying united and minimising ball losses that create dangerous transitions for the opponent. Elche CF's next LaLiga EA Sports commitment will be at home on the weekend of September 13th.
