Magalllán for Helibelton Palacios, Getafe vs. Elche the only starting 11 change
JA Galvanized
When Sebastián Beccacece took charge, Elche CF faced a pivotal moment of transition ahead of a season in the Second Division. Everything pointed to a shuffle in the squad, a clear plan to assess which players could contribute to a more competitive lineup and which local talents might rise to fit a higher level. The aim was a ground-up evaluation to determine who could endure the demands of the silver category.
Yet the anticipated overhaul did not unfold. From the outset, the Argentine coach kept a tight group, selecting roughly 13 to 14 players who featured most of the minutes. Injuries or suspensions were the only catalysts for changes in the starting XI. In the nine matches he managed from the sideline, the rest of the squad barely had opportunities to prove themselves.
Golde Edgar Badia held his ground as the fixed option in goal. The Catalan keeper notably interrupted Girona and Almería home games only due to extraordinary personal circumstances when his partner was about to give birth, and he did not travel with the team. This exception led to Axel Werner stepping in, an unprecedented move in both La Liga and the Cup. In eight other fixtures, Badia remained the first-choice goalkeeper.
In defense, Mascarrell was the consistently selected starter until injury struck the Canary defender. Pedro Bigas and Helibelton Palacios also started early when available. Carlos Clerc remained a key component on the left side as the configuration on the back line evolved.
The midfield became the area with the least movement. Carmona was deployed at center in his first match against Barcelona, a move that opened the door for young John Chetauya to feature in the remaining eight games. Fidel Chávez and Gerard Gumbau rounded out that line and became two of Beccacece’s untouchables in midfield.
Tete Morente stood as a consistent asset, a true battlefield traveler who could operate as a wingback on the right or left, and sometimes as a carrier through the middle. On the forward line, Lucas Boyé stepped in when the coach was prevented from being on the bench due to a suspension against Barça, and he quickly established himself as the team’s primary attacking reference in most matches. Father Milla carried out supporting duties, while Randy Nteka replaced the Catalan in the last two games, stepping into a central offensive role.
With Mascarell sidelined in the latter matches due to injury, Clerc moved to central defense and Lautaro Blanco took over as a left winger, cementing his place in Beccacece’s plan. This shift reflected how the coach adapted to evolving circumstances while maintaining a recognizable structure.
Among the 14 players involved, the rest entered as needed and in response to the script’s demands. Magallán, Mascarell, and Bigas or Helibelton Palacios started on occasion due to coincidental injuries.
Josan was the one who initially joined the Argentinian coach’s squad but did not feature in a competitive minute until later. He performed well in the minutes available and could be a candidate for renewal based on his recent form.
Nico came in to replace Lautaro Blanco on the left flank or in midfield during the final stages of matches. Raúl Guti started a match late before facing a suspension for an upcoming Gumbau ban.
Carmona was identified as an important player and finally had the chance to contribute while Beccacece was in charge. An injury kept him sidelined for over a month and a half.
The rest of the squad saw limited action, mostly in short stints, except for a few extended moments from established players such as Enzo Roco, Gonzalo Verdu or Ponce. Diego González and Pape Cheikh had yet to debut under the Argentinian coach, while loaned players Pol Lirola and Álex Collado counted minutes only sporadically. A late surge in minutes for the midfielder suggested he would have a more prominent role, yet he appeared as a right-back for only a handful of minutes. All of this underscored a clear conclusion: Beccacece’s plan would shape the squad for the upcoming campaign.
Beccacece has surrounded himself with a coherent group and his vision for the team became increasingly clear as time passed.