Levante (19th, 9 points) host Elche (8th, 24 points) on 23 January 2026 at 20:00 UTC. The match is a crucial test for Levante’s survival hopes and a chance for Elche to strengthen their push for European qualification. Both sides bring contrasting tactics, key players, and a battle for three vital points.
Current Form and Stakes
Levante’s Struggle
After 12 games Levante have earned only nine points, sitting three points from safety. They have conceded 22 goals – the league’s second‑worst defensive record – and scored just five. Coach Rubén Baraja faces intense pressure to halt the slide and secure a win that could spark a late‑season revival.
Elche’s Surge
Elche sit comfortably in the top half with 24 points, three points shy of a Europa League spot. The team has won three of their last four matches, including a 2‑1 victory over Sevilla, and boasts a +5 goal difference thanks to disciplined defending and effective counter‑attacks.
Head‑to‑Head Record
The clubs have met 31 times in LaLiga since 2005‑06. Levante leads 13‑10‑5, and has won three of the last five meetings. The most recent encounter was a 1‑0 Levante win in February 2025, decided by a header from veteran striker Rubén García.
Predicted Line‑ups and Key Players
Levante (4‑2‑3‑1)
- Goalkeeper: Diego López (captain) – three clean sheets this season.
- Defence: Álvaro Fernández, Carlos García (hamstring doubt), Adrián López, Jorge Martínez.
- Midfield: Sergio Pérez, Mateo Ruiz (double pivot); Dani Gómez, Álex Moreno, Juan Carlos (attacking trio).
- Attack: Rubén García leading the line, supported by winger Marco Torres.
Elche (3‑5‑2)
- Goalkeeper: Diego López – 71 % save rate.
- Defence: Víctor Ruiz, Pablo Ortega, Iñaki Gómez (three‑centre‑back).
- Midfield: Wing‑backs Álvaro Sanz and Luis Hernández; midfield diamond of Sergio Ramos (defensive), Dani Fernández, Óscar Torres (attacking).
- Attack: Álvaro Negredo partnered with rising star Marco Álvarez.
Tactical Battle
Baraja is likely to adopt a pragmatic, compact shape, relying on set‑pieces – four of Levante’s five goals this season have come from corners or free‑kicks. Oltra should press high, using active wing‑backs (averaging 4.2 crosses per match) to stretch Levante’s defense and create aerial opportunities for Negredo.
Broadcast Details
The match will be streamed live on Fubo with a dedicated LaLiga channel offering live commentary, real‑time statistics, and a shot‑map tracking attacking patterns. A text commentary feed is also available for fans who cannot watch the video stream.
Match Implications
A Levante win could lift them out of the bottom three and secure Baraja’s position. An Elche victory would cement their top‑half status and keep them within reach of a Europa League berth. A draw benefits Levante’s survival bid while still allowing Elche to maintain momentum.
Final Verdict
The Friday night clash at Ciudad de Valencia pits a relegation battle against a European push. With distinct tactical approaches and key players ready to influence the outcome, the encounter promises high drama and could reshape the fortunes of both clubs for the remainder of the LaLiga season.
