Deportivo Host Elche in La Liga Season Opener at Riazor

Overview

• Deportivo La Coruna and Elche will meet at Estadio Abanca-Riazor on Monday evening in the 2026–27 La Liga opener.
• Deportivo arrive back in the top flight after two promotions in three years and are expected to start Leo Román in goal with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the attack.
• Elche plan to use a 5-3-2 defensive shape under manager Martin Anselmi with Grady Diangana and Yago Santiago unavailable.
• Pre-match assessments diverge: Soccer News backs a home win for Deportivo while Racing Post tipster James Milton recommends both teams to score, a view shaped by Elche’s away defensive record last season.
• The match will reveal whether Deportivo’s new attacking setup can break down a compact back five and whether Elche’s retained core can cope away from home, a result that could shape early-season momentum for both clubs.