HE Elche CF shows no sign of surrender and keeps chasing a dream. The Elche squad took a decisive step with a win that matters, thanks to Nico Castro’s goal in the 81st minute for Andorra’s visit.
Franjiverdes continue climbing in the second round of the league, remaining unbeaten and collecting seven points from nine. They have not conceded a goal, a stat that reinforces a growing sense of promotion potential.
A progression that brings them ever closer to the playoff spots.
For a new boost in Elche, Andorra
Two players changes in the starting lineup marked the day. Nico Castro came in for the injured Rodrigo Mendoza, while Borja Garcés was deployed as a central attacker, replacing Murad.
Based on Beccacece’s approach, the team displayed solid defensive balance and repeatedly won back possession from Andorra. Although Elche didn’t create a flood of chances, they acted pragmatically, seizing the opportunities in the Principality to secure the full payoff.
The Franjiverde coach also adjusted personnel for the moment, reinforcing the attack and maintaining pressure while keeping the backline organized.
John Chetauya and Nico Castro celebrated the late winning moment, a small but meaningful triumph for the visitors.
The match began with a clear plan: both teams fought hard to control possession. Elche showed early composure, while Andorra pressed to disrupt their rhythm. The visitors moved the ball with intent and sought to exploit speed on the wings, through Iker Benito and Alex Calvo. Elche attacked from both flanks, Nico Fernandez on the right and Tete Morente on the left.
Early exchanges yielded few clear chances, as both sides prioritized defense. Nico Castro’s free kick tested the goalkeeper, and a high ball found the top of the net but did not count due to offside later in the half. The first period remained tight, with the defense holding firm on both sides.
As the first half neared its end, Andorra looked more dangerous. Iker Benito forced a reaction from Dituro with a diagonal shot, and Alex Calvo followed with a similar effort, keeping the home defense alert.
Dituro celebrated an early clean sheet after the half, still unbreached, a sign of the disciplined defensive display that defined the game.
By the 42nd minute, a potential goal from Alex Calvo was ruled offside, and the teams went into the break with a goalless score. Both coaches could claim some satisfaction with performance but also recognized the need to flip the switch after the interval.
In the second half, both sides pushed for victory. Elche did not retreat; they sharpened their assault as the clock moved. In the 50th minute, Beccacece shuffled the frontline, bringing Manu Nieto on for Borja Garcés to add mobility and options in attack.
The tactical reshuffle paid off in moments. Garcés looked to profit from loose balls around the box, and Elche pressed higher to squeeze chances out of the play. Morente and Castro remained active on the flanks, keeping the Andorra defense under constant pressure.
Nico Ratti surfaced as a stubborn obstacle for Elche, denying Morente with a sharp save on a well-placed volley. The Cádiz winger continued to push, seeking another window to break through on the night.
With time running out, Elche found their breakthrough. A precise move on the right saw Carreira involved, and the cross from the right found Nico Castro inside the area. He struck cleanly with his left foot, guiding the ball past the keeper to set the final score at 0-1 in the 81st minute.
The remaining minutes proved tough for Andorra as the visitors preserved their lead with defensive discipline. Beccacece looked to refresh the attack once more, sending on fresh legs to sustain pressure and lock down the result.
Despite the late pushes from Andorra and a need to chase the game, Elche stood firm. They achieved a clean sheet for a third consecutive match, a testament to their growing defensive solidity and collective resilience.
Elche collected three points without exhibiting a spectacular performance, a reminder that sometimes the essentials—organization, discipline, and timely execution—outweigh flashier play. The win kept them on track for a late-season surge toward the top six of the league, promising an exciting run-in as January closes and the market window narrows.
Three days remain until midnight next Wednesday, with the winter market still buzzing and a flurry of potential moves on the horizon. Regardless of transfers, this Elche side is proving it can compete with resolve and togetherness, a foundation for future chapters in the campaign.
Next Friday at 20:30, Martínez Valero hosts Burgos. Another victory would push Elche closer to the playoff zone, heightening the drama of a compelling closing act.
DATA SHEET:
ANDORRA: Nico Ratti, Petxarromán, Álex Pastor, José Marsà, Diego Pampín, Jandro, Sergio Molina, Iván Gil, Álex Calvo, Iker Benito, Karrikaburu.
Elche: Dituro, Carreira, Mario Gaspar, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, John, Áleix Febas, Nico Castro, Nico Fernández, Tete Morente, Borja Garcés.
AIM: 0-1 m.81, Nico Castro.
JUDGE: From Fuente Ramós of the Castilla León school. Yellow cards: Iker Benito, Iván Gil, Petxarromán, Carlos Clerc, Tete Morente.
STADIUM: Andorra la Vella National, in front of 2,398 spectators.