Elche vs Atletico Madrid prediction 22.04.2026 | La Liga

Elche never hid their objective this season. Survival, plain and simple. After coming up, that always felt realistic rather than ambitious.

Interestingly, Los Franjiverdes started well. Seven games unbeaten to open the campaign is not something many expected, with three wins tucked in there.

However, that early rhythm faded and Eder Sarabia’s group now have only two wins in their last 15 matches. At Manuel Martínez Valero, though, it is a different conversation. The recent 1-0 win over Valencia was not flashy, but it was disciplined. It also stretched their unbeaten home run to four matches.

That matters. Pedro Bigas returns after suspension, which should steady the back line a bit. Beyond that, Sarabia has a full squad available. No injuries, no suspensions. Not perfect, but close.

Simeone’s side arrive still carrying the weight of that Copa del Rey final loss to Real Sociedad. It was one of those matches that lingers.

Los Colchoneros fought back twice for a 2-2 draw, only to fall short on penalties. Mentally, that can drain a team.

League-wise, Atletico look secure in fourth, sitting 11 points clear of Betis. That cushion helps, but the form is not convincing. Just one win in the last seven games across all competitions suggests something is off.

Defensively, too, cracks have appeared. Simeone’s men have conceded at least twice in most of those matches. Away form does not inspire confidence either, with three defeats in the last four trips. This visit to Elche might not be straightforward, even if it looks that way on paper.