This report covers the Elche CF youth squad’s journey in the Pamesa LaLiga Promises Santander National Football-7 Tournament, a competition organized with the support of Pamesa and in collaboration with the Jose Ramon de la Morena Foundation, staged in Villarreal. The event brings together a broad field of promising talents from national development leagues and serves as a proving ground for young players to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Elche, commonly known for its steadfast play and resilience, faced a tough challenge in the round of 16 when they were edged by Atlético Madrid by a 1-0 scoreline. The decisive goal arrived early in the second half, a well-executed header finished by Felix Berry after a coordinated set-piece sequence. The goal did not come from a lapse in effort but rather from a moment of precision in a tightly contested match that tested both sides’ tactical discipline and nerve.
The Franciverde side demonstrated characteristic tenacity from the opening whistle. In the first half, goalkeeper Hector Román produced crucial saves that kept the scoreline within reach and allowed the team to settle into the battle without fear. Alfredo Miralles was a constant threat in set-piece situations and nearly found the net with a spectacular Olympic-style volley from a corner, illustrating the team’s capacity to threaten even when facing a physically imposing opponent.
At the start of the second half, Atlético Madrid asserted control, shifting the tempo and forcing Elche to chase the result. Antonio Alarcón led the field effort, directing his players to press high and attempt rapid transitions. The Elche side coped with the pressure and maintained defensive organization for long stretches, but the single goal proved decisive in a tight and well-fought matchup. The team captain, Ayoze Beranger, also known as Ayo, who is the son of a former first-team player and a current member of the squad, displayed leadership in organizing the defense and linking play. Greg Berganger, who stood in the middle of the action, delivered a precise free kick that the Atlético Madrid goalkeeper palmed onto the crossbar before it veered to safety, underscoring the fine margins that define youth-level football.
Ultimately, the Elche youth side was unable to overturn the deficit, ending their campaign in a tournament that featured 20 top-flight clubs and attracted attention from across Spain. The team advanced from the group stage on their first opportunity after drawing with Alavés and Getafe in a pair of tense matches, then fell to Real Madrid by a slim margin and to Betis with a comfortable margin, reflecting the unpredictable nature of knockout football and the realities of facing elite youth programs. The result marked the end of Elche’s run in a competition that serves as a crucial learning ground for players aiming to transition into higher levels of competition.
Despite the outcome, the experience carried significant value for the young players, who gained exposure to a high level of competition and the opportunity to test themselves against future professional talents. The Elche squad’s persistence and willingness to compete against well-established academies embody the spirit of development that this tournament was designed to foster. The losses and near-misses together composed a meaningful chapter in the players’ ongoing growth, offering lessons in teamwork, strategic execution, and mental resilience under pressure.
The Franciverde roster included a tight-knit group of twelve players who took part in the event. The goalkeepers were Daniel Martínez Marín and Héctor Román, each contributing crucial saves and composure between the posts. In defense, Ayan Mihai Grigore and Oliver Friis Madir formed the backbone alongside their teammates. Midfielders Jesús Guardiola Rosado and Alejandro García Carcelén helped sustain possession and orchestrate transitions. The right-side players were Alfredo Miralles Ramírez and Hugo Eugenio Lorente, with Felipe Herencia Vicente operating on the left flank. Ayoze Beranger held the central midfield role, while the forward line featured Hugo Rico Poveda and Diego Navarro Alonso, all of whom had opportunities to contribute minutes and showcase their abilities in this senior youth competition. The coaching duties were led by Antonio Alarcón Asencio, with the support of the junior football coordinator Rubens Hernandez-Mula, fitness coach Fran Diez, and representative Ferran Torregrosa Calabuig, collectively guiding the team through the demanding tournament schedule.
Analysts and supporters alike noted the value of balanced development pathways in programs like Elche’s youth setup. The tournament offered a rare blend of competitive intensity, structured coaching, and the chance to measure progress against peers from established academies. For the players, the experience was more than a scoreline; it was an invitation to learn how to manage pressure, maintain focus across two halves, and understand the tactical dimensions that can influence outcomes in tight matches. Staff members emphasized that every training session and match contributed to the players’ football education, laying the groundwork for future opportunities at higher levels of the sport. The Elche camp will likely carry the insights gained here into their ongoing development plans, as coaches and players review footage, refine routines, and prepare for upcoming regional and national competitions. At every stage, the emphasis remains on growth, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence that characterizes top-tier youth football in Spain and beyond. The experience is recapped as a stepping stone rather than a setback, illustrating how persistence and collective effort can shape the next generation of players into ready competitors for professional stages.