Elche and Osasuna Deliver a Nail-Biting duel as Relegation Pressure Intensifies

Sebastian Beccacece achieved the first positive result early in the campaign, guiding Osasuna to an opening lead as Elche CF took the initiative. Tete Morente struck first for the Franjiverdes, yet the visitors from Elche managed to equalize and then pull ahead. The sea of green and white turned tense as Osasuna rallied, with Abde from Morocco taking center stage and delivering a dramatic turnaround, sealing a second-half comeback that pushed the team toward the brink of relegation to the second division. [Source: match report]

In the starting formation, the Argentine coach kept the same tactical shape as in the season opener, making two personnel changes but preserving the overall plan. Mascarell partnered in central defense with Pedro Bigas, while the Spaniard operated on the right in this setup rather than the left as in other variants. John Chetauya, who has emerged as a surprise starter, moved into the center to cover for an injured Carmona. Helibelton Palacios lined up on the right with Clerc on the left, and the defense relied on a third central figure when needed to reinforce the back line. [Source: match report]

Jon Moncayola and Tete Morente in the clash at El Sadar PS

Lucas Boyé entered as an attacking reference, with Pere Milla and Tete Morente supporting from the right. Boyé fulfilled duties on the left, while the Cádiz veteran acted as a winger in attack and contributed significantly in defense. Gumbau and Fidel continued to steer the midfield, directing the tempo and keeping the balance between defense and attack. [Source: match report]

Following Tuesday’s match, Osasuna’s coach arrived fresh to the King’s Cup semifinal mindset, and Aitor Fernández faced a threat from a resurgent Elche. Unai García marked Aridane’s absence, as he appeared uncomfortable and did not finish the match. Nacho Vidal moved to the right and Manu Sánchez took the left flank, with Darko Brasanac, Pablo Ibáñez, Kike Barja, and Budimir also featuring in the rotation. [Source: match report]

Elche seeks joy against a celebrating Osasuna

JA Galvanized

From the outset, Elche signaled their intent with high pressing when possible and a disciplined, organized defense when needed. The visitors tried to move the ball through the lines, often opting for longer balls into space when their passing options were blocked. Fidel delivered a cross that gave Lucas Boyé an opportunity to end with a powerful volley, but the shot missed the target. [Source: match report]

The 14th minute brought a contentious moment. Abde, active on both flanks, drove into the box and a collision with Budimir left the referee with a decision to make. The official signaled a potential penalty after consulting VAR, but Iglesias Villanueva ruled that there was no contact by the Elche forward with the opponent. After a delay for review, the decision stood, denying Elche a spot-kick. [Source: match report]

Osasuna carried the initiative for a period, yet Beccacece’s side stood firm. In the 21st minute, a combination between Fidel and Boyé created space, and the Argentine shot from a good position went over the bar. Elche’s defense held strong through the half, denying Navarrese attackers a clear breakthrough. A cross from Barja clipped the post, testing Edgar Badía but not breaking the deadlock. [Source: match report]

The first half finished with a crafted move from Mascarell: he intercepted near the back and played a precise ball to the left, allowing Morente to beat Nacho Vidal with a close-range finish. Elche led 1–0 at the break after Morente’s composed strike. [Source: match report]

Tete Morente celebrates the goal that put Elche ahead PS

The second half changed everything. Osasuna pressed relentlessly, while Elche dropped deeper to defend their lead. A goal by Boyé was disallowed in the 50th minute due to a handball in the buildup, keeping the score at 1–0. Fidel, troubled by a calf issue, was substituted, and Beccacece reorganized with a deeper defensive line and Lautaro Moreno pushed forward as a winger, Clerc stepping into central defense. [Source: match report]

As the home side kept the pressure, Elche absorbed and then looked to strike on breakaways. Abde’s pace on the left created constant danger, tearing into Palacios and the back line, while Badia and the defense withstood the initial onslaught. The visitors’ rhythm forced substitute changes: Morente left the pitch due to adductor tightness, replaced by Diego González, and Clerc shifted to the left with Lautaro sliding into the middle. The match swung back and forth as Elche tried to maintain balance. [Source: match report]

In the 71st minute, Budimir capitalized on a loose ball, Barja’s assist cutting into the heart of the pitch and finishing past Badía to restore parity at 1–1. The equalizer stunned Elche and energized Osasuna, whose supporters erupted as the game moved into the final phase. Mascarell’s touch near the box altered the momentum, linking the ball to Abde who hammered the ball home to put Osasuna ahead. The finish landed low and inside the post, sealing a dramatic 2–1 win for Osasuna. [Source: match report]

Beccacece brought on Álex Collado and Ponce in an attempt to salvage a result, but the clock proved cruel. Elche slipped further toward relegation, with time running out and the chances of avoiding the drop shrinking. The final whistle echoed disappointment for the Franjiverdes, who were left to reflect on the late concession and the narrow margin that decided the outcome. [Source: match report]

DATA SHEET:

OSASUNA: Aitor Fernández, Nacho Vidal, Unai García, David García, Manu Sánchez, Pablo Ibáñez, Darko Brasanac, Moi Gómez, Kike Barja, Abde, Budimir. Substitutes: Aimar Oroz, Moncayola, Rubén Peña, Iker Benito, Kike García. [Source: match report]

Elche: Edgar Badía, Helibelton Palacios, John Chetauya, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, Omar Mascarell, Gumbau, Fidel, Tete Morente, Pere Milla, Lucas Boyé. Substitutes: Ponce, Lautaro Blanco, Álex Collado, Diego González. [Source: match report]

RESULTS: 1–1 at 44 minutes, Abde equalized in the 71st, and Abde again hit the winner in the 84th. [Source: match report]

JUDGE: González Fuertes. Yellow cards shown to Helibelton Palacios, Fidel, David García, and Aimar Oroz. [Source: match report]

STADIUM: Al Sadar, crowd of 17,925. [Source: match report]