# | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 |
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8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 11 | 9 | +2 | 13 |
9 |
Athletic Club
|
8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 13 |
Elche are displaying stable and hard-to-break form, having suffered only one defeat in their first eight matchdays. The team is showing particularly reliable performances at home, where they have secured three wins in four matches while conceding just two goals. In their last five games across all competitions, the club remains undefeated: two wins and three draws. Notably, two of these draws were earned away from home against strong opponents – Atlético Madrid (1-1) and Sevilla (2-2) – which speaks volumes about the team's high morale and resilience. The team has been unbeaten since the end of August, having built a reliable defensive structure.
Athletic Bilbao are experiencing a clear downturn, which is being exacerbated by the workload from their Champions League commitments. In their last five matches across all competitions, the team has failed to register a win: three defeats and two draws. In La Liga, their winless streak now stands at three matchdays: defeats to Valencia (0-2) and Alavés (0-1), along with a draw against Girona (1-1). Their attacking play is particularly concerning: in these three matches, the Basques have scored just one goal. Their Champions League performance against Arsenal (0-2) only highlights the team's current problems, as they look tired and lack their former efficiency.
League statistics reveal a key paradox of the upcoming encounter. Despite having an equal number of points (13), the teams are fundamentally different in their playing models. Elche are unbeaten at home (3 wins, 1 draw), with a goal difference of 6-2 on their own turf. Athletic look vulnerable on the road: one win against two defeats in three away matches, with a goal difference of 2-4. Meanwhile, Elche demonstrates high scoring efficiency, averaging 1.38 goals per game, whereas Athletic are one of the least prolific teams in the top-10, averaging just 1.13 goals per match.
Tactically, the match will be built around the home side's organized defense clashing with the visitors' attempts to break it down, which is a serious problem for them in their current state. Elche are unlikely to hold prolonged possession, instead opting for a compact defense, fast counter-attacks, and set-pieces. Their home statistics for goals conceded (0.5 per game) indicate supreme discipline. Athletic will have to take the initiative and control the game, but their attacks may falter against a well-organized defensive block. Their lack of goals in recent matches, particularly in open play, offers little optimism for their attacking prowess. Fatigue from a congested fixture list and the psychological pressure from their winless streak will be additional negative factors for the Basques.
The match recommendation is based on the teams' current form and their statistical indicators. Elche are the clear favorites in this matchup thanks to their perfect home record and overall stability. Athletic Bilbao are in a deep crisis, evident both in their results and their performances, especially in the final third. The hosts are expected to capitalize on their home advantage and the mistakes of a pressured visiting side. The most likely outcome appears to be a win for Elche by a narrow margin, considering their sturdy defense and Athletic's current finishing woes. Predicted score: Elche 1 – 0 Athletic Bilbao.