FC Barcelona v Elche - five historic facts you should know

Not many FC Barcelona fans can remember the last time Barça faced off against Elche, a rival that just recently gained promotion to Primera. Here is a list of five historical facts that you should know about the FC Barcelona v Elche showdown:

1 - 25 years later

Barça and Elche will play against each other for the first time in 25 years. The Alicante-based team were relegated from Primera in the 1988/89 season, and they were at the bottom of the table the two times they featured against the Blaugrana that season. This year, just ahead of their visit to the Camp Nou, they are 14th just two points above the relegation zone.

2 - Positive track record

Elche and FC Barcelona have played against each other 38 times. The record so far is positive for the Blaugrana: 19 victories, 11 draws and 8 defeats. The last time Barça lost to Elche was in the 1974/75 season (1-0). In addition, Barça eliminated Elche in the two Cup showdowns between the two sides: in the Round of 16 (1962/63) and in the quarter-finals (1965/66).

3 - Undefeated at the Camp Nou

Elche have never claimed victory at the Camp Nou. Their record in Barcelona stands at 12 defeats and 7 draws. The last time Elche visited the Camp Nou was on February 12, 1989, and Barça won thanks to goals from Bakero and Amor (2-0). At the time Elche were managed by someone very special in FC Barcelona history...

4 - Kubala returns to the Camp Nou

The last time Elche played at the Camp Nou, the manager that sat on the visiting team’s bench was none other than Ladislao Kubala. Barça were managed by Johan Cruyff. The legendary Hungarian was one of four managers Elche had that season. He managed the team for 16 matches (from Round 11 to Round 26).

5 - From César to Botía and Lombán

A total of 14 players have featured for both FC Barcelona and Elche. The first to do so was César Rodríguez, who, after playing for Barça from 1942 through 1955, joined Elche in the 1959/60 season. The same path was followed by Eulogio Martínez, Juan Antonio Celdrán and Ramon Alfonseda. Other players took the opposite route, from Elche to Barça, like Cayetano Re, Marcial, Asensi and Heredia. Currently, the Elche roster has two former Barça players: the center backs Botía and Lombán. Lombán didn’t make his first team debut for FC Barcelona, but he featured for Barça B last season.