Elche Edges Mallorca in a Dramatic 0-1 Win With Late Heroics and a Contested Finish

It looked like football would deliver another brutal blow to Elche, with Mallorca fashioning a dramatic late comeback that stretched into extra time. Minutes dragged on as the referee signaled six additional stoppages, while Machín voiced his protests from the bench and within the group of players.

Elche’s lineup faced a tense moment when Franjiverdes players sought a contentious slap from Pablo Maffeo toward Raúl Guti in the prior action. In a surprising turn, the referee for the match against Villarreal, Martínez Valero, reviewed the incident via VAR, reported by Medié Jiménez. Despite objections from the players and the stands at Son Moix, the official overturned the goal and Elche took a 0-1 win in a decision that sparked debate.

In the end, football’s justice favored Elche, who had shown greater control in the second half and earned recognition for their persistence and defensive resolve.

Lucas Boyé found the net in the 88th minute after a sustained effort from a busy, seasoned, and brave Elche side, whose defense and forward work created the opening for the final strike. After the break, the team pressed for more, signaling intent with every attack.

Elche secured their first away victory of the season, and for the first time, the French-green color scheme managed to keep a clean sheet.

A result that carries limited weight in the standings given ongoing complexities, yet those three points could alter the players’ mindset and perhaps even luck. With many rounds left, the squad and coach remain battle-tested, and as long as mathematics allows it, chances persist.

Elche players celebrate the win at the end of the match

Machín made four changes to the starting XI against Mallorca, with Gonzalo coming in as an impact sub before an injury forced him off in the 74th minute. Magallán appeared to be eased out of play, while Carmona moved to the right lane following a different sanction. Ponce replaced Nteka after serving a suspension in a tactical move aimed at disrupting Mallorca’s dangerous passing game.

Four changes in Elche’s starting XI against Mallorca

JA Galvanized

Aguirre’s side began strongly, pressing through the middle for Muriqi and Kadewere. Elche gradually asserted themselves, showing seriousness, focus, and defensive organization throughout the duel.

Nteka faced no major trouble until Edgar Badía cleared Dani Rodríguez’s attempt from the goal line in the 24th minute, the best moment in Mallorca’s early attack.

Although Rajković’s danger area was not breached early, Elche had promising chances to take the lead. A shot from outside the box followed by a corner routine saw Mascarell strike high when unmarked near the goal.

The reply came from Kang In Lee, Mallorca’s standout talent, while Daniel Rodríguez also tried to unlock the defense.

The first half finished level at 0-0, with Machín’s side displaying seriousness and competitiveness against a Mallorca side unable to seize control of a well-drilled Franciverde defense. It was a half of intense effort and little football at times.

The immeasurable Gonzalo Verdú jumps for the ball with Muriqi

Early in the second half, Elche looked more capable and dangerous with attacking intent. Failing to risk Magallán’s potential discipline issue, the coach brought Tete Morente in for Seville, which added more width and depth on the right flank.

Elche began the second period with higher intensity, pressing Mallorca and creating chances. Fidel’s effort struck the post, while Morente’s cross found space in the box and Gumbau’s shot found Boyé, who tested Rajković with a powerful strike.

Mallorca’s reply came through Badía’s crucial save on Dani Rodríguez, preserving Elche’s lead and prompting a renewed Elche focus on defensive solidity as the clock ticked down.

Elche remained the better side, with Boyé forcing more opportunities as the game progressed. Both teams failed to capitalize on promising openings, leaving the scoreline unchanged for a long spell.

Frangiverdes persisted, pressing for the decisive goal, but the final finish eluded them until late. A well-timed counter almost delivered a second, but Mallorca remained vigilant in defense.

Boyé’s 82nd-minute surge set up a dangerous break, with Ezequiel Ponce working hand in hand with the Mallorca keeper when the finish fell wide of the goal.

Bigas created a late set piece opportunity, and with the 88th minute approaching, Elche appealed for a penalty after Muriqi’s handball nearly opened the path to victory. The referee judged otherwise, the sequence ending without a foul call.

Then came a moment of pure drama. A corner from Gumbau found its way into the top corner, tucked inside Rajković’s near post, sending Son Moix into a stunned celebration. Elche’s defense held firm as the clock neared 100 minutes.

Elche celebrated a hard-fought victory, with players honoring Pelayo Novo, who had passed away earlier in the week. They wore the number 8 in tribute, the jersey bearing Novo’s name a reminder of the club’s deep connections and community spirit.

Pelayo Novo, a beloved figure, is remembered fondly as a footballer who inspired many with his resilience and passion for the game.

DATA SHEET:

MAJORCA: Rajkovic; Maffeo, Valjent, Raúl, Copete, Jaume Costa (Augustinsson, min. 83); Dani Rodríguez (Amath, min. 83), Galarreta; Kang In Lee (Sanchez, min. 85); Kadewere (Abdón Prats, min. 60) and Muriqi.

Elche: Badía; Palacios, Gonzalo Verdu (González, min. 73), Bigas; Carmona (Morente, min. 46), Mascarell, Gumbau, Clerc; Nteka (Ponce, min. 60), Lucas Boyé and Fidel (Guti, min. 67).

AIM: 0-1, minutes 88: Lucas Boyé.

JUDGE: Munuera Montero (Andalusian Committee). Nteka (min. 11), Carmona (min. 39), Raíllo (min. 49), Copete (min. 64), Lucas Boyé (min. 65) received yellow cards; Muriqi (min. 76) also cautioned.

STADIUM: Son Moix, in front of 14,065 spectators. The goalkeepers, Rajkovic and Badía, honored José Ángel Iríbar who wore black before kickoff. Mallorca marked its 107th birthday by distributing cake slices to supporters who attended the match.