Bragarnik loses control as Abde takes charge
In Pamplona, a dramatic football narrative unfolded as a Moroccan-Elche player shone and Osasuna edged ahead late. The heroics came in the second half when Osasuna rallied after Elche briefly led, with Tete Morente equally decisive in the first half. The match was a showcase of grit, with Osasuna’s comeback punctuating a tense contest and setting the tone for the night.
Abde, who reached the World Cup semi finals with Morocco and has enjoyed a remarkable season, stood at the center of attention. The question loomed: what moves would Bragarnik, the club’s owner, authorize now that Abde’s form is undeniable and his value rising? The latest talks about a contract with Barcelona and the transfer from the city of the player’s residence suggested exciting possibilities, but the signing stalled at the final stage due to disagreements over commissions from his representatives, according to insiders familiar with the situation.
Frangiverde’s ownership circle watched closely as the young winger’s signature appeared close to completion before slipping away at the last moment due to financial terms. The episode underscored the volatile nature of deals in a season marked by high expectations and shifting loyalties within the squad.
Christian Braganik, observing the match, reflected on the overall trajectory of Elche and questioned past decisions that may have altered the club’s path. The Moroccans’ impact highlighted broader questions about the club’s strategy and its willingness to back ambitious choices as Elche navigates a challenging campaign.
In Pamplona, the city celebrated Osasuna’s progress toward the King’s Cup final, with Abde’s family facets becoming a talking point as his performances continue to impress. Elche attempted to capitalize on Osasuna’s fatigue and seize momentum, but the night ultimately favored the home side, leaving Elche with a tough path ahead.
Elche entered the contest with intent. Beccacece made two changes to the starting XI while continuing to tinker with the tactical plan first tested against Barcelona. Mascarell stayed at the heart of the defense next to Pedro Bigas, and the starting lineup featured a notable surprise in the form of John Chetauya as a central midfielder to replace the injured Carmona. Helibelton Palacios operated on the right while Clerc took the left side, and a flexible defense saw a three-man central line when needed.
In attack, Lucas Boyé assumed the reference role, while Father Milla lined up on the right and Morente featured against the opponents as a left winger. Cadiz-born Gumbau and Fidel kept the team’s rhythm as midfield engines, with the left flank offered by a dynamic approach from Barja. The lineup demonstrated Beccacece’s willingness to push for control and tempo, a trait that defined Elche’s approach in the opening stages.
The tactical plan aimed for high press when possible, and otherwise a disciplined defensive shape with five players behind the ball. When Elche attacked, they tried to build from the back and exploit space with long balls when necessary. The early moments showcased a balanced battle, with Boyé’s shot and Fidel’s movement shaping the mood of the game.
Early penalty appeals quickly turned controversial as the referee and the VAR team assessed a contact incident. The decision to cancel a potential penalty after a review preserved the score, leaving both sides to reassess with full focus on the remaining minutes of the first half.
As the game progressed, Beccacece’s crew gained confidence. A second clear chance for Boyé materialized from a strong link with Fidel, and the Argentine forward finished decisively. Osasuna, undeterred, pressed with seniority and organization, while Elche’s defense held firm—until a late moment of breakthrough altered the balance of the night.
Kike Barja created trouble down the right flank, testing Badía’s positioning and prompting a sustained spell of pressure. Just before the break, Mascarell delivered a precise ball that Morente converted with a well-timed strike to give Elche a 1-0 lead and hint at a possible upset for the home team. The half ended with Elche buoyed by that advantage, while Osasuna regrouped and prepared to respond after the break.
Emerging from the break, Osasuna shifted the momentum and Elche leaned on a five-man defense to safeguard their lead. Abde continued to torment the Elche defense from the left wing, driving the Franjiverde back line to the edge of collapse. A potential second goal by Lucas Boyé was waved off for a handball, a decision that sparked further controversy but held as the clock moved forward.
Fidel’s injury forced Beccacece into defensive reorganization, reinforcing the edges with a five-man line and reassigning roles to maintain balance. Elche’s discipline in defense remained sturdy, even as Osasuna intensified their wave after wave of pressure. The visitors’ approach kept Elche pinned inside their own half for long stretches, yet the visitors found a way to withstand the storm and still threaten on the counter.
With the clock ticking toward the end, Abde delivered a masterful finish to bring the score level, and moments later he struck again, sealing a late and dramatic victory for Osasuna. The final whistle left Elche to reflect on a night where moments of good play were overshadowed by a costly lapse in the closing stages. Abde’s heroics were celebrated by Osasuna supporters, while Bragarnik and Beccacece faced a stark reminder of the fine margins that decide football matches and seasons. The result underscored the ongoing tension around Elche’s strategic choices and the pressure to deliver results in a high-stakes league race, with the club left to contemplate the summer decisions that will shape its future prospects.
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