Atletico Madrid is gearing up for a pivotal Copa del Rey clash against Elche this Wednesday at the MartÃnez Valero. The match marks a crucial opportunity for the La Liga giants to maintain their perfect run in the competition and secure a spot in the quarter-finals. Elche, currently second in Liga Hypermotion, is enjoying a strong season and aims to make life difficult for Atletico, who have been relentless in their pursuit of glory.
Atletico Madrid's Unstoppable Form
Atletico Madrid heads into this knockout clash with an impressive 14 consecutive victories. Their performance has been nothing short of dominant, with a series of narrow but hard-fought wins in the Copa del Rey. Coach Diego Simeone is keen to extend his team's winning streak and will need to carefully manage his squad. With several key players like Giménez and Lenglet likely unavailable, changes to the lineup are expected, and some players who have been rested may feature in this crucial fixture.
Despite their strong form, Atletico cannot afford to take Elche lightly. The team has faced challenges in recent rounds of the Copa, scraping through against Vic and Cáceres with close wins. Simeone knows that merely relying on their badge will not guarantee success in this match. Therefore, he may field some fresh legs like Koke, Lino, Correa, and Sorloth, who have been in and out of the starting XI, to give the team an edge in this high-stakes encounter.
Elche's Rising Confidence
Elche is a team in form. They have not lost a match since November and are currently on a ten-match unbeaten streak. Under the guidance of coach Eder Sarabia, Elche has eliminated tough competition, including a dominant 4-0 win in the previous round of the Copa del Rey. With the team's second-place finish in Liga Hypermotion, Elche is focused on direct promotion and hopes to carry their momentum into this Copa del Rey tie.
Despite injury absences for key players like Óscar Plano and Clerc, Sarabia has carefully managed his squad, ensuring that the team remains fresh for this vital clash. Expect youth prospect San Román to start in goal, with the manager likely rotating some of his players to maintain balance and avoid fatigue in the busy schedule.
What’s at Stake?
Atletico Madrid will be determined to secure another victory and make it to the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. However, Elche's resilience and strong team spirit cannot be overlooked. The game promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams seeking to showcase their quality and advance to the next stage.
Predicted Score: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Elche
