The Elche-Levante duel, which will take place this Saturday (18.30) on matchday 8 of LaLiga Hypermotion, has many precedents. The two main categories of Spanish football National Second League classic with 18 matches. Moreover, this has always been a very close fight and the statistics confirm this; seven local wins and six draws with five visiting teams. The home team scored 22 goals and the away team scored 18 goals.
Last visit on second visit
It was only seven years ago that Levante last visited Martínez Valero in the silver category. Victory went to Levante, with José Campaña scoring a goal. At that Elche there was not a single player from those who now make up the first team. Toril was the coach and Juan Carlos, Correa, Noblejas, José Ángel, Pelegrín, Matilla, Álex, Hugo Fraile, Pedro, Dorca and Guillermo Fernández played as starters. Eldin Dahzic, Leomar Pinto and Edu Albácar entered the second half.
Last victory in second place
To see Elche’s home victory against the Blaugranas, you always have to go back, mentioning the Second. 2003-2004 season. Local team for which Mallo, Tasevski, Dorovic, Zárate, Moisés (goal scorer) or Nino playsUnder Óscar Ruggeri they managed to win by minimal margin. These last two players were the heroes of the victory, which once again allowed the Elche team to continue their dream of fighting for promotion. “Moisés’ perfect goal brought down the great Levante” Editor José Antonio Galvañ titled the chronicle of that day.
After this match, 4 more matches were played, 1 ended in a draw and 3 ended in defeat. Actually, Elche have three visits from Levante in the silver category without scoring a goal.
First, better numbers
Speaking of the First League, things are changing as Elche never allow themselves to be attacked by the Valencians in the Elche fiefdom. 6 matches ended in the gold tournament three draws and three local wins.
In fact, the last example of a duel between the two took place in the official competition. 2021-2022 season and it ended in a one-goal draw. In this match, there are still popular faces in the team such as Fidel, Josan, Badia, Diego González, Guti and Tete Morente. The Franjiverde coach at that time was Fran Escribá.
Levante were relegated that campaign and the clashes did not return to Martínez Valero. Now they do so at the start of a new season in which they both aspire to challenge for promotion positions to the First Division, but with a team already in that position. And not Elche, who are one point away from relegation and sit 17th in the table. The Valencians are in fourth place with 14 points, six points above Franjiverdes.