In tough times there are many rivals
Elche CF showed improvement, appearing tighter at the back and more compact overall, dominating the clash against Levante. They had a real chance to clinch the win. Yet in football, goals often decide fates, and Elche continues without finding the net at the start of the campaign, a drought that keeps weighing on the team and stirring doubts and concerns.
Beccacece faced a hard blow in Burgos with a 4-0 defeat that demanded a rebuild. The most notable tweak in the starting lineup was the goalkeeper change: Edgar Badia sat out and San Román started for the first time this season, a move that faced little difficulty in execution.
There were evident differences in approach and tactical shape. Josan and Mario Gaspar altered Alex Martín and Diego González, who had not been fully effective, while the plan shifted to a more measured, logical mode of play. A defensive setup with three in midfield and five in defense emerged, motivated by the match’s particular needs.
Josan operated as a regular full-back with Tete Morente pushing forward on the right wing. Nico Fernández shifted to the left, acting as a natural left-footed winger, as he has done throughout the season.
The center of defense stayed compact, with Fidel and Nico Castro serving as energetic outlets. They looked to advance with quick shots whenever possible. Álex Febas stayed in the middle and Sergio León remained the lone striker.
The 1-4-1-4-1 shape mirrored a common modern formation. It allowed Mario Gaspar to drift toward midfield when opportunities opened, while Josan stayed on the flank, ensuring the defense did not become exposed as it had in previous performances. The adjustment brought more balance and made defensive coverages easier to manage.
The Elche initiative dominated the opening 45 minutes from midfield, yet the team struggled to convert pressure into clear scoring chances. There were multiple forays into the attacking third, but Andrés Fernández did not face significant testing from the Elche attack.
Sergio León tried several times, but found himself too isolated in the first half.
Levante, by contrast, defended stoutly and looked to break quickly on the flanks with Cantero and Brugue, occasionally nudging ahead, though San Román was not tested extensively in the first period.
Elche increased its urgency late in the first half. Morente was more active on the right, and Fidel had the best opportunity just before the break, only for Andrés Fernández to deny him, leaving the half with a goalless balance.
Second half
Elche came out with renewed intensity after the break and manufactured three almost consecutive chances early on. Nico Castro struck from distance, Nico Fernández surged to the byline and delivered a sharp ball to Fidel whose shot was saved by Álex Valle as the ball seemed destined for the net. Mario Gaspar then fired from inside the area, only for Andrés Fernández to make a remarkable save.
The Franjiverdes pressed relentlessly and Calleja responded by reinforcing the midfield with Algobia and Clemente.
Beccacece reacted by bringing on Cristian Salvador to add physical presence. Murad and Carreira were introduced for Sergio León and Josan, respectively.
Elche continued to push, with Bigas trying a long-range effort as the period wore on.
With around 15 minutes remaining, the coach brought fresh energy from Óscar Plano and Rodrigo Mendoza, both making their debut for the youth side in terms of first-team minutes. The former Valladolid product advanced from the second line and saw one shot hit the post after a deflection.
Cristian Salvador had two more chances in the box, but could not convert.
Levante settled into a compact defensive shape and looked to strike on the counter, with Pablo Martínez peering for a quick transition that never fully materialized for his teammates.
Nerves crept in as the game remained goalless deep into stoppage time. In the 89th minute, Carreira sent a through ball to Plano, but the finish eluded him once again.
On balance, Elche deserved the three points for the way they played and controlled the tempo, but the lack of a finishing touch punished them in the early stages of the season. The burden of unfulfilled chances weighs heavily on the Franjiverdes after eight rounds.
DATA SHEET:
-Elche: San Román; Josan (Carreira, min. 67), Mario Gaspar, Bigas, Clerc; Tete Morente, Febas (Óscar Plano, min. 74), Nico Castro (Cristian Salvador, min. 59), Nico Fernández, Fidel (Rodri Mendoza, min. 74) and Sergio León (Murad, min. 67).
-I GROWED: Andrés Fernández; Capa (Rubén Vezo, min. 78), Postigo, Álex Muñoz, Álex Valle; Brugué (Óscar Clemente, min. 56), Sergio Lozano (Pablo Martínez, min. 78), Oriol Rey, Cantero, Dani Gómez (Algobia, min. 56) and Bouldini (Fabricio, min. 67).
-JUDGE: González Francés (Canary Committee). He showed yellow cards to Pedro Bigas (m.66) for Elche and Oriol Rey (m.93) for Levante.
-STADIUM: Elche’s Martínez Valero in front of 15,660 spectators, including 1,200 Granota fans.
[Citation: Matías Segarra, reporting on the match]