Pinatar vs Elche prediction

Last 5 matches · 2W-2D-1L · +4 goal difference

Pinatar host top-flight side Elche in the Round of 128 of the Copa del Rey. The home side earned their place in this stage by defeating Atlético Melilla twice, winning 8-0 at home and 3-0 on the road across their two cup fixtures. While Pinatar demonstrated attacking flair by scoring 11 goals without conceding in those matches, facing top-tier opposition represents a far greater challenge.

Elche sit 14th of 20 in La Liga with 10 points from 10 matches, having won two, drawn four, and lost four with 14 goals scored and 17 conceded. They head into this fixture with positive momentum, having secured an impressive 3-0 away win against Rayo Vallecano following a 0-0 draw at Villarreal. Their recent away form against seasoned top-flight opponents highlights their tactical solidity.

Cup fixtures at this stage often introduce variables such as rotated starting line-ups and motivated lower-tier hosts. However, Elche have shown reliable defensive discipline, recording clean sheets in each of their last two domestic matches. Apart from midfielder M. Aguado being sidelined with an ankle injury, Elche have their squad available to manage this knockout test.