The Castellonense Derby That Will Mark the Beginning of 2026

Elche vs Villarreal: The Castellonense Derby that will mark the beginning of 2026

Two teams in search of a new start in LaLiga EA Sports

This Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Elche CF faces the Villarreal CF in a long-awaited Castellón derby that is part of matchday 18 of LaLiga EA Sports. A duel full of emotion is expected, since both teams will enter the match with the need to score points and improve their position in the table. The Martínez Valero will be the stage where the two clubs will seek to start the year with a victory that revitalizes them.

An Elche on a roll seeks to continue with its good game

After a spectacular victory by 4-0 against Rayo Vallecanohe Elche He wants to maintain his good form at home, where he has proven to be a stronghold. In his stadium he has achieved notable victories, such as against Girona (3-0) and Celta de Vigo (2-1), making the Martinez Valero an almost unbeatable place for its rivals.

However, the team Eder Sarabia will not be able to count on the forward Hector Fortwho suffered an injury in the recent match and will miss the derby. Furthermore, the absences of Andre da Silva and possibly Grady Diangana could affect their offensive approach. Despite these casualties, Elche has a total of 22 pointscurrently occupying ninth position in the table, thanks to its five wins, seven draws and five losses.

Recent history of Elche

Victory against Rayo Vallecano (4-0)
Draw against Real Betis (1-1)
Draw against Real Madrid (2-2)
Victory against Girona (3-0)

Villarreal seeks redemption after a complicated end to 2025

On the other hand, the Villarrealdirected by Marcelino García Toralwill try to leave behind the bad streak that ended last year. The Yellow Submarine was eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and of the King's Cupin addition to a painful defeat at home against FC Barcelona in LaLiga (0-2).

Despite these setbacks, Villarreal occupies fourth position with 35 pointsalthough with one less game. With a balance of 11 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, they will seek to take the three points from a difficult field like Martínez Valero, where no one has yet managed to win this season.

Key and absent players

Villarreal will also face some key absences. They will not be able to count on Renato Veiga due to suspension, as well as they will be out of play Thomas Partey and Willy Kambwala due to injury. However, the return of Santiago Mourino, Alfonso Pedraza and John Foyth He will provide significant reinforcement for the team on their trip to Elche.

Analyzing the context of the Castellón derby

Regional derbies like this one not only have a special flavor because of the rivalry between the clubs, but they are also crucial for the morale and confidence of the teams. This match symbolizes more than just three points, as the winner could significantly turn their campaign around, especially for teams that are trying to establish themselves among the best in LaLiga.

“Derbies are always special matches where classification is put aside and what matters is passion and heart on the field.” – Eder Sarabia

When and where to watch the game?

The confrontation between Elche and Villarreal will take place on January 3 at 6:30 p.m.. Fans will be able to follow the action through the channel DAZN LaLiga (M55 O113) and also in Movistar Plus+ through LaLiga TV Bar. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this exciting derby live.

Final thoughts on the impact of the news

As both teams prepare for this important clash, it will be interesting to watch how the circumstances of the derby develop. Elche will try to stay home, while Villarreal will seek to rectify the course. Who will take the victory and start the year on the right foot? Only time will tell, but without a doubt, it will be a match that fans will want to witness.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current status of Elche in LaLiga?
Elche occupies ninth position with 22 points.
Which key players will not be in the derby?
Elche will not have Héctor Fort and André da Silva; Villarreal will not have Renato Veiga and Thomas Partey.
When and where will the game be played?
The match will be played on January 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Martínez Valero.
Where can I watch the game on television?
The match can be seen on DAZN LaLiga and Movistar Plus+.
What has been Elche's recent performance?
Elche has had an outstanding performance at home, with important victories.
How important is a derby like this?
Derbys provide intense rivalry and are crucial for team morale.
What is expected of Villarreal in this match?
Villarreal needs to regain confidence after a poor finish to 2025.
What characteristics make it difficult to play at Martínez Valero?
Elche has shown an impressive performance at home, which makes it a difficult field.
How does this match affect the LaLiga classification?
Points are vital for both teams in their fight to improve their position.
Where can I follow more news about the meeting?
You can follow updated information through platforms such as DAZN or Movistar Plus+.