MADRID, 17 (EUROPA PRESS)
Real Betis opens its LaLiga EA Sports season this Monday at the Martínez Valero (9:00 p.m.), a first matchday in which it hopes to start scoring against an excited Elche CF that returns to the top flight and is looking to hold on to its home field to stay firm in the fight to avoid relegation.
In recent years, the Andalusian side has managed to establish itself in the upper echelons of the Primera Division table, and last season finished sixth, securing a spot in the Europa League and securing its entry into continental competition for the sixth consecutive year.
Now, Manuel Pellegrini's team, now in its sixth season at the Benito Villamarín and who led the team to the Conference League final in 2025, faces this new challenge with a revamped squad. The arrivals of Junior Firpo and Rodrigo Riquelme contrast with the vital departures of Johnny Cardoso and Jesús Rodríguez, and the continuity of Antony, who was key in the second half of last season, does not appear to be going well.
Added to this is the serious injury suffered by Isco Alarcón during a friendly against Málaga; the midfielder will miss the first half of LaLiga and will join the injured Diego Llorente, Ez Abde, and Marc Roca in the infirmary.
Opposite them, Éder Sarabia's Elche has the clear objective of staying in the First Division, where they return after two seasons following a season in which they finished second, only behind Levante, and with the best defense in the second division.
Mourad El Ghezouani, last season's top scorer, remains in the Elche team, and players such as Germán Valera, Léo Pétrot, Alejandro Iturbe, and Álvaro Rodríguez have joined the team. All will be available for the home opener, while Bambo Diaby and Yago Santiago will miss out due to injury, while Josan Fernández is doubtful due to hamstring discomfort.
–MONDAY PROGRAM ON LALIGA EA SPORTS.
Elche CF – Real Betis. 9:00 PM.
