Eibar vs Elche: A Familiar Rivalry and a Copa del Rey Test at Ipurúa
Tonight’s Copa del Rey clash between Eibar and Elche at Ipurúa feels like more than just a round of 32 tie. It carries the weight of history, recent struggles, and a long-running psychological edge that Elche seem to hold over their hosts. On paper, it may look like a simple cup fixture, but once the context is laid out, it becomes clear why this matchup has attracted so much attention.
Eibar arrive at this stage after doing their job in the qualifying rounds, with away wins over Náxara and Pontevedra securing their place. However, momentum has been hard to find in league football. Competing in the Segunda División, Eibar have endured a rough campaign, with just one win in their last 12 matches, leaving them stuck near the bottom of the table. Confidence has been fragile, and that makes this Copa del Rey night feel both like an opportunity and a potential burden.
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- Eibar vs Elche: A High-Stakes Copa del Rey Night at Ipurúa
The challenge is made tougher by the opponent. Elche are no strangers to Eibar, and over the past decade, this rivalry has leaned heavily in the visitors’ favour. Since 2015, Eibar have managed just one win against Elche, and even that feels distant now. In the last three meetings, Eibar have failed to score at all, while Elche have repeatedly shown an ability to control games, stay compact, and frustrate their rivals. Six clean sheets in the last seven encounters tell the story clearly.
Even at Ipurúa, once considered a fortress, Elche have found ways to neutralize Eibar’s physical approach. Goals have been scarce for the home side in this fixture, and that trend looms large again. Elche, meanwhile, come into the match from a steadier position in La Liga, sitting mid-table with a reputation for being hard to beat. Draws have been frequent, but defensive discipline has been consistent.
Team news adds another layer. Eibar are dealing with injuries to Jon Guruzeta and Ander Madariaga, which could limit attacking options. Javi Martón, who has already scored twice in this competition, is expected to carry much of the goal threat, supported by Jose Corpas. Elche also have absences, with Grady Diangana and Andre Silva ruled out, but Rafa Mir’s form in front of goal remains a major concern for the hosts.
All signs point toward a tight, tense, low-scoring contest. History suggests that Eibar will struggle to break Elche down, while Elche may not need to take many risks. If the pattern holds, extra time or even penalties could decide it, with Elche once again finding a way to edge past a rival they have learned to control all too well.
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