Elche CF will face UD Las Palmas this Sunday, January 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, as both teams look to continue their good runs in this year's Copa del Rey. The match promises to be competitive, with both sides showcasing solid performances heading up to this encounter.
Elche currently sits fourth in La Liga Hypermotion and has been on an impressive stretch, not knowing defeat since November 8. Under coach Eder Sarabia, the team has displayed confidence, racking up four wins and three draws since their last loss. They recently secured successive victories against Racing de Santander and Castellón. Sarabia expressed his eagerness, stating, "Vamos con todo en la Copa."
Meanwhile, UD Las Palmas, buoyed by the recent arrival of coach Diego Martínez, has turned its fortunes around after struggling early on the season. The team now finds itself comfortably above the relegation zone, currently placed 13th. Martínez has seen his squad pull off eight wins from their last eleven matches after not winning any of their first nine outings this season, thereby solidifying their position and boosting morale within the camp.
For this match, both coaches are expected to field competitive lineups, with players aiming to prove themselves on the Copa del Rey stage. Elche moved past CD Coria and Yeclano to reach this round, with the latter win coming by a narrow 1-0 margin thanks to Óscar Plano's goal. Conversely, Las Palmas also overcame challenges, defeating Ontiñena 7-0 and CE Europa 2-1 in the previous rounds.
The two teams have met 62 times historically, with Las Palmas winning 23 of those encounters, Elche claiming 15 victories, and 24 matches ending as draws. Previously, both teams have not faced each other in the Copa del Rey, adding another layer of intrigue to this clash.
Key players to watch include Elche’s Jaime Mata, who leads the Copa del Rey scoring charts with four goals, and Mourad El Ghezouani, the Ilicitanos' top scorer. Mata, fresh off scoring four goals against Ontiñena, will be eager to continue his scoring form, making him one to watch. El Ghezouani, who scored twice against Racing de Santander, will be expected to be influential upfront.
The match will be officiated by Munuera Montero, and fans will be able to follow the action live on Movistar Plus Copa del Rey (dial 54). Online coverage will also be available through real-time updates on AS.com.
Both teams head confidently and hopeful for what lies next: advancing to the round of 16, where they aim to make Copa del Rey history or continue deep runs. For Elche CF, it’s about continuing their good run and proving themselves against top tiers of Spanish football. For Las Palmas, it’s about maintaining their recent surge and reaching another knockout stage of this prestigious tournament.