Elche vs Atletico Madrid

Elche has transformed into a formidable home force despite their lowly league position, collecting 21 points from 16 home matches with an impressive record of seven wins, seven draws, and just two defeats. Their recent home form sparkles with consecutive victories over Valencia (1-0) and Mallorca (2-1), plus a fighting 2-2 draw with Espanyol. The Martinez Valero has become a fortress where they score 1.67 goals per game while conceding only 1.07, significantly better than their dismal away record. Key injuries to M. Aguado, A. Boayar, Buba Sangare, and G. Diangana could impact their attacking options, but their defensive solidity at home remains intact. With relegation looming, expect maximum intensity from a side that knows every point is precious.

Atletico Madrid arrives in concerning form, having lost three of their last four matches across all competitions, including heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final. Their away record tells a worrying story with just four wins from 15 trips, drawing five and losing six while scoring only 1.07 goals per game on the road. The recent 2-1 defeat at Sevilla highlighted their away struggles, and fixture congestion is taking its toll with Champions League semi-finals looming. Missing striker Alexander Sorloth (contusion), defender Jose Gimenez (injury), and winger Ademola Lookman (muscle injury) severely weakens their squad depth. Diego Simeone faces rotation dilemmas with just three days' rest since their Copa final, potentially fielding a weakened XI to preserve key players for Arsenal.