Elche FC Struggles as Relegation Battle Intensifies

omidbasir- Elche FC managed to cushion some of their fall in the league standings with a recent draw against Osasuna (0-0). However, they continue to slide downwards and are deeply embroiled in the fight for survival. Their dismal performance in 2026, where they have yet to secure a win after seven matches, is primarily to blame. Since concluding 2025 with an impressive 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, the team has accumulated only three points from a possible 21, severely diminishing the buffer they had against relegation.

At the end of the previous year, the Illicitano side finished in ninth place with 22 points, sitting seven points clear of the relegation zone. Just seven matches later, they have dropped seven positions to 16th, now holding 25 points—just one above the relegation zone currently occupied by Mallorca. They are tied on points with Valencia and Rayo Vallecano, the latter having a game in hand against the bottom-placed Real Oviedo.

In terms of league standings, Elche has transitioned from a state of comfort and even aspirations for European competition to one of dread. Their remarkable start, where they emerged as a surprise package in LaLiga EA Sports with 13 points in the first seven matches, saw them momentarily in Champions League contention. However, their scoring pace diminished thereafter, though it initially remained sufficient to keep them in the mid-table. Their home form played a crucial role, yet failing to secure a win in the last four home fixtures and continuing their poor away record have contributed to their decline.

Since that promising Champions League start, Eder Sarabia’s side has managed to win only two of their last 17 matches, accumulating merely 12 points in that span—one less than the tally from their first seven fixtures. With a total of five wins to their name, only the two bottom teams, Levante (4 wins, one against Elche) and Real Oviedo (3 wins), have fared worse. Notably, the team has squandered five potential victories due to goals conceded in the dying minutes of matches, points that they now rue.

Faced with the looming threat of relegation, Elche must respond with a victory as soon as possible. Unfortunately, their upcoming schedule does not offer much solace, as three of their next four opponents are competing for European spots. Additionally, three of these matches will be played away from the Martínez Valero, posing a significant challenge given that they have the worst away record in Primera and have yet to win in any of their eleven away games.

On Friday, Elche will take on Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. They will then host Espanyol before closing this tough stretch with consecutive away matches against Villarreal and Real Madrid.