Last Sunday brought a sense of relief for Elche CF as the victory over Leganés quieted the dressing room and settled the Franjiverde atmosphere. After opening with two defeats, a 0-1 loss to Racing de Ferrol and a 2-1 setback to Eibar, Elche steadied itself with four consecutive matches without a loss, collecting eight points from a mix of wins and draws.
Wins over Villarreal B and Leganés, both by a single goal, were paired with draws against Racing de Santander and Valladolid, keeping the team in the hunt. The manager, Sebastian Beccacece, faces a clear path of work ahead. His style is dynamic and appealing to spectators, yet it remains high-risk for the second division and has exposed some vulnerabilities at the back. The plan is bold, and the execution demands refinement to balance attack and defense more consistently.
Beccacece: “We started the championship poorly, but we are making strides”
Elche’s campaign has been marked by a lack of goals at crucial moments. The team has controlled large portions of matches, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose, yet the finishing touch has often eluded them. This imbalance between dominance and execution has translated into too few goals and too many anxious moments when the score is tight.
In six league games, only one goal per match on average hints at misfiring in the final third. Penalty goals accounted for a portion of those strikes early in the season, and when Elche moved in front, the team sometimes failed to extend the advantage, inviting late pressure from opponents. The result has been a growing concern about converting chances into points.
A recent addition, Sergio León, has started contributing in the final third. The Córdoba-born forward netted in the last two fixtures, offering a glimmer of hope for greater offensive output. His scoring presence will require support from teammates to maximize opportunities and sustain momentum.
ROT
Defensive balance remains an area needing attention
Beccacece favors an attacking style that comes with defensive exposure. Full-backs often push high up the pitch while a central defender may drift toward midfield to help establish numerical superiority in ball circulation. When transfers occur, passing lanes and coverage can falter, leaving the defense exposed and forcing rapid transitions that opponents exploit with vertical plays.
That vulnerability, while a natural consequence of a bold approach, is something the staff is actively addressing. The aim is to curb the risk and keep the back line more compact without sacrificing the offensive intent.
STRATEGY
Contests on set pieces
Set-piece defense has proven to be a pressure point. While Elche produced a series of promising attacks, defending against opponent corners and free kicks remains a challenge. Two goals conceded this season came from outside the box, underscoring the need for tighter marking, better anticipation, and sharper positioning. The squad is focusing on collective discipline and communication to shore things up.
PHYSICAL CONDITION
Second-half tempo fluctuations
A recurring issue has been a drop in intensity after the break. Except for the Eibar match, Elche has been outplayed after halftime, especially early in the second period. Beccacece reflected that fatigue and the mental pressure to close out games can compound the challenge. The coach affirmed that the team has heart and resilience but needs greater composure in the closing stages to secure results.
What remains clear is that the squad is investing in fitness and tactical execution. The focus is on sustaining energy, maintaining concentration, and limiting the anxious moments that tend to derail late efforts. The objective is to translate positive phases into solid, long-lasting performance and to move higher in the standings in line with the club’s ambitions and budgetary resources.
These details form the current narrative for Elche as they continue to build toward consistent results. The leadership believes in the strategy, the players are embracing the process, and the fans expect steady progress as the season unfolds.