Espanyol 1-3 Elche: result and AI prediction

Espanyol – Elche, La Liga, Friday, September 18, 2026 at 08:00 PM (GMT). Venue: RCDE Stadium

Espanyol is #8 in the table (7 pts) and Elche #20 (2 pts). 12 places separate the two teams in the table. Elche has not won any of its last 5 matches. Last 6 head-to-head meetings: Espanyol 3, draws 3, Elche 0. Their last meeting, on March 1, 2026, ended Elche 2-2 Espanyol. Absent for Espanyol: O. El Hilali, K. Garcia, Jofre +2.

Espanyol

Final score1 - 3

Elche

AI predicted: 3-1 · Final score: 1-3Missed

AI confidence: Medium

AI match recap

Espanyol return home needing a cleaner response after their recent defeat, with the international break giving this match added importance. Elche remain winless and defensively exposed, yet their ability to score and their recent fightback against Real Madrid mean this is not a passive bottom-of-the-table opponent. The home side’s right-back selection is the pivotal team-news issue after Omar El Hilali’s suspension. Espanyol’s wider attacking quality and Elche’s fragile defensive structure give the hosts the clearer route, but concentration after losing the ball will decide how comfortable that route becomes.

Head-to-head analysis

Espanyol are unbeaten in the last six meetings with Elche. At the RCDE Stadium, the recent series includes home wins and several controlled defensive performances, although the broader head-to-head record also contains multiple draws.

Injuries and absences

El Hilali’s suspension is Espanyol’s clearest structural absence because it disrupts the right-back role and invites Elche to target that channel. Kike García, Jofre and Javi Puado are unavailable, while Gorosabel’s late fitness status limits González’s flexibility; Elche’s confirmed absentee is Yago Santiago.

Form (last 5)

EspanyolLeague position #8 · 7 ptsD W L

ElcheLeague position #20 · 2 ptsL D L

Espanyol vs Elche stats

	Espanyol	Elche
Played	6	6
Goals scored	9	8
Goals conceded	7	16
Clean sheets	2	0

Last meetings

2026-03-01Elche 2-2 Espanyol
2025-10-25Espanyol 1-0 Elche
2024-04-27Elche 2-2 Espanyol
2023-11-18Espanyol 2-0 Elche
2023-02-19Elche 0-1 Espanyol
2022-10-23Espanyol 2-2 Elche

Unavailable players