Two teams battling against relegation from La Liga are set to clash in a match of huge importance on Sunday afternoon, as Real Oviedo host Elche at Estadio Carlos Tartiere.
Real Oviedo are currently at the bottom of the La Liga table with 28 points, six points adrift from safety. Elche are in 16th place, two points outside of the relegation zone, highlighting the importance of this match for both clubs.
Oviedo’s Recent Form Offers Hope
Real Oviedo’s campaign has been difficult, and they once seemed destined for an immediate return to the second tier. However, they have shown signs of resurgence in recent weeks, giving them a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.
Guillermo Almada’s team have secured three wins in their last five league matches against Valencia, Sevilla and Celta Vigo. They will go into this match following a 1-1 draw at home against Villarreal.
Despite their improved form, Real Oviedo still have considerable ground to make up, sitting six points behind 17th-placed Sevilla. A win this weekend would provide a significant boost to their survival hopes.
Elche’s Poor Away Record a Concern
Elche enter this match on the back of a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, and have won three of their last four matches. Eder Sarabia’s team have defeated Mallorca, Valencia and Atletico in their last three home games.
However, Elche’s away form this season has been poor, as they have only managed to pick up four points from 15 matches and are yet to record a win on the road. Their last away match resulted in a 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on April 3.
With three of their next four games away from home, Elche’s poor away form will be a concern. Elche defeated Real Oviedo 1-0 earlier this season. Their last match at Estadio Carlos Tartiere finished 1-1 in March 2025.
Team News and Potential Lineups
Real Oviedo will assess the fitness of Leander Dendoncker, Luka Ilic and Alex Fores before confirming their squad for the match against Elche. Nicolas Fonseca is available again after suspension and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Federico Vinas, who has scored nine La Liga goals this season, including four in his last four appearances, will lead the Real Oviedo attack.
Elche may have a fully-fit squad, with Adam El Mokhtari their only doubt.
Elche lead the overall head-to-head record between the two sides, with 21 wins to Real Oviedo’s 19. 13 of their 53 matches have ended in a draw.
Real Oviedo will be hoping that their recent form and the return of Nicolas Fonseca can help them overcome Elche’s strong head-to-head record. Another win this weekend would give them a monumental boost.