There was a sense of bittersweet tension at the Carlos Belmonte stadium as nearly a thousand Elche supporters filled the stands to back their team in a match that promised momentum. The Franjiverde coach understood the stakes: a third straight win was within reach, but the game took an abrupt turn when Nico Castro was sent off in the 57th minute, changing the tempo and dynamics entirely.
The Argentinian coach did not dwell on the specifics of the injury, describing it as part of the action you see on any given match day. He noted that sometimes a field can become treacherous when it’s wet and players slip, yet insisted there was no need to read too much into what happened. It was simply a moment in the flow of the game.
Albacete-Elche Chronicle: Nico Castro crashes the party
In the midst of the match, the Elche side fought through adversity. The coach highlighted the collective effort, saying that the team competed on equal terms, both in detailed and direct play, despite being reduced to ten men after the red card. One Elche goal occurred by chance, followed by the set of events that proved decisive in the end, including the post and crossbar denying a subsequent shot that could have altered the result.
The rain added to the challenge as the Elche coach remained highly engaged from the sideline. He emphasized how the squad kept pushing, even when conditions worsened, and how the squad’s resilience shone through the early substitutions made due to injuries. A change came early on, with two substitutes stepping in to bolster the lineup, and their contributions were described as highly valuable. The team managed to secure a draw and, more importantly, learned from the ordeal, ready to refocus for the next home clash against Zaragoza.
The Argentinian head coach did not shy away from the bigger picture. He pointed to the importance of looking forward, acknowledging the effort and progress of younger players who were getting opportunities to shine. He touched on the reality that while the squad might not have the same depth of variants as some rivals, the work rate and collective spirit remained a core strength that kept the team competitive.
Nearly a thousand Elche fans have already made their way to Albacete
As the match drew to a close, Beccacece expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from supporters who braved the rain, wind, and cold. He underscored the bond between the players and the fans, noting that the entire squad feels energized by that connection. The coach commended the fans for their loyalty and described the collective spirit as a driving force behind the team’s determination. The message was clear: the players and fans stand together, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and prepared for the next test on home soil.