Elche will undergo its first real challenge this Saturday at 9:30am, taking the field at La Finca Resort in Algorfa. The team steps into a new era in the Second Division, as Beccacece navigates a different balance in his squad. Last season, the club finished ninth, just nine points shy of the promotion spots. Cartagena, home to former Franjiverde captain Gonzalo Verdú, presents a contrasting scenario: a small pre-season group for Elche and Beccacece as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Elche has only three fresh additions (San Román, Álex Martín and Aleix Febas) after parting ways with twelve players, including Verdú, Magallán, Mascarell, Werner, Palacios, Lirola, Roco, Carmona, Cheikh, Collado, Gumbau and Nteka. This turnover underscores the effort to reshape the squad for the new league challenge.
Low
The squad also faces a long-term setback. John Chetauya underwent surgery on Wednesday for a fibular fracture and will endure several months of recovery, with an estimated timeline of at least four months before he can return to action. This injury compounds the challenge of assembling a competitive unit for Beccacece as he plans ahead.
Doctors Ripoll and De Prado Successfully Treated John’s Fibula Injury
VL Deltel
tete turns
Wing winger Tete Morente appears ready to contribute if the coach sees fit. He resumed group training yesterday at the Díez Iborra football facility after recovering from an overload. Given the importance of today’s friendly, it remains possible the Argentine coach will manage his involvement carefully for the moment.
SONIA ARCOS / ECF
How Are the Teams Coming?
Elche arrives at this pre-season clash after opening with a victory, 1-0, against Rotherham United in England. The match featured a balanced contest with up to 22 players involved. New signings Miguel San Román, Diego González, Eze Ponce, Raúl Guti, Pere Milla, Salinas, Álex Martín, Josan, Nico, Rodri and Dídac started the game. After the break, Beccacece introduced Edgar Badia, Lautaro Blanco, Pedro Bigas, Lucas Boyé, Aleix Febas, Fidel, Mourad, Clerc, Pamies and Adam. Raúl Guti remained until the 80th minute before being replaced by Mario. (source: match report, club communications, 2024)
Elche Started Pre-season with a Win (1-0)
david marin
Two players who had not spent much time with a squad previously stood out in the starting XI. The coach rewarded two performers who had seen limited action, notably Raúl Guti and Diego González, who featured in twelve league games between them in the prior season.
Elche Keeps Flying and Smiling
VL Deltel
Top Eleven
The lineup from last Saturday may differ significantly from the one Beccacece plans to field today, reflecting the club’s ongoing search for improvements. A large portion of the squad remains composed of younger players or affiliates due to the absence of new first-team additions.
Cartagena, meanwhile, travels to the arena with enthusiasm as they pursue their first pre-season win. Their first two results were modest: a 1-2 loss to Birmingham City on July 14 and a 0-1 setback against Damac from Saudi Arabia at the Pinatar Arena. A year ago, a Cartagena-Elche friendly drew a 2-0 victory for Cartagena, a reminder of past clashes and the competitive edge both teams bring to the fixture. The Carabela de Plata trophy history adds context, as Cartagena has often demonstrated a stronger edge in past encounters when it mattered most.
There was also a recent pre-match between Cartagena and Elche on neutral ground, which serves to heighten anticipation for this weekend’s meeting. The rivalry is steeped in local pride and a history of tight, spirited battles between the two clubs.
Elche Lost to Cartagena (2-0)
david marin
Historical Results
Beyond friendlies, Elche and Cartagena have met fourteen times in the Second Division, with Cartagena holding the edge in victories and a few draws. The clubs have traded 19 Franjiverde goals and 18 from the black-and-white side. The most recent official encounter occurred on the 38th match day of the 1987-1988 season, when Cartagena clinched a 2-1 home win and secured promotion that year. The rivalry carries weight for both clubs as they prepare for the new season.
The upcoming match will be played on neutral soil at La Finca de Algorfa behind closed doors. It marks another step in each side’s preparation as they refine tactics and build cohesion ahead of the campaign. (citation: club press summaries, 2024)