Elche CF’s Opening Day in La Liga 2022-2023 Ends in a Severe Setback Against Betis
What began as a promising first day for Elche CF quickly devolved into a difficult reality as Betis seized control on match day. The centennial campaign began with high expectations, but a strong Betis performance and a crucial early red card against John Chetauya at the 15-minute mark shifted the narrative, while a costly error by Enzo Roco in the 27th minute opened the scoring for Borja Iglesias.
Francisco sought to replicate the strategy that yielded success last season at Benito Villamarín, defending with three at the back: John Chetauya, Enzo Roco, and Pedro Bigas, with Helibelton Palacios and Mojica operating on the flanks. Elche’s coach Mascarell aimed to congest the middle, supported by fullbacks pushing into midfield alongside Gumbau and Fidel, while Pere Milla and Roger Martí provided forward cover for the defense.
From the outset, Elche pressed aggressively, launching a brave opening spell that applied pressure on Betis. Mojica created the first meaningful chance, forcing a save from Rui Silva with a powerful shot.
Within a quarter of an hour, trouble surfaced. Aitor Ruibal outpaced several Elche defenders and, facing the goal, was brought down by a late challenge from J. Ohn near the edge of the area. The referee did not hesitate to issue a straight red card, leaving the visitors with a clear numerical disadvantage.
The plan was suddenly in jeopardy.
Francisco reacted by reshaping the defense to a four-man line, leaving Roger as the lone striker in a more compact shape. Elche maintained resolve despite being a man down, and Mojica earned another look after Fidel’s free kick found its way to him.
However, in the 27th minute, a momentary lapse proved decisive. Roco misjudged a routine ball along the wing, and Betis’ creative talent Fekir capitalized on the error, delivering a pass that Borja Iglesias converted to make it 1-0.
With the score at 1-0, Elche faced an uphill battle against a Betis side eager to strike again before the break. The visitors pressed hard, and the hosts capitalized on a defensive lapse at 37 minutes as Betis extended their lead, pushing it to 2-0 as the half neared its end.
In the second half, Francisco sought to reassemble the team. Diego González replaced Enzo Roco, and Fidel’s cross found Pere Milla, switching from the right flank to the left to diversify the attack. Elche started with intent again, even briefly taking the lead, as Gumbau nearly scored with an Olympic-style effort from Pazella’s corner.
Yet Betis, playing at home in Benito Villamarín, proved difficult to overcome, and the physical demands of the opening day wore on the visitors’ legs. At the 59th minute, Juanmi pounced on another loose ball, driving through Diego González to make it 3-0 and sealing the victory for Betis as the Elche defense appeared passive in the wake of repeated pressure.
The match remained tense with danger in both camps, though Edgar Badia made several important saves late to keep the score from mounting further for Elche. Pellegrini’s Betis, meanwhile, enjoyed a more controlled final phase as the home crowd cheered a disciplined performance rather than an outright showcase of attacking flurries.
Closer to the end, Josan and Ponce entered for Pere Milla, both dealing with the physical toll of the afternoon. Francisco even handed a senior opportunity to Alfaro and brought on Pol Lirola and Álex Collado from the bench, though these moves arrived too late to alter the outcome.
The opening-day result provided objective material for reflection. While a loss is never ideal, there is value in learning from mistakes on the first matchday. The squad must address the errors that characterized the performance and prepare for the next challenge against Almería, a team already established in the league frame.
DATA SHEET
BETIS: Rui Silva; Aitor Ruibal, Pezella, Édgar, Álex Moreno; Guido Rodriguez, William Carvalho; Rodri, Fekir, Juanmi; Borja Iglesias.
ELCHE: Edgar Badia; John Chetauya, Roco, Bigas; Palacios, Mascarell, Gumbau, Mojica; Pere Milla, Roger Martí, Fidel.
RESULTS: 1-0, 27: Borja Iglesias. 2-0, 39: Juanmi. 3-0, 59: Juanmi.
REFEREE: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández. He sent off John Chetauya in the 15th minute for impeding a dangerous advance. Fekir, Ruibal, and Juanmi cautioned for Betis; Pere Milla, Gumbau, Roger, Fidel, Josan, and Mojica cautioned for Elche.
STADIUM: Benito Villamarín, attendance 50,622.