Elche edges Villarreal B as Fidel’s penalty seals late nerves and early momentum

HE Elche CF secured its first win of the season by edging Villarreal B in a tense match. Fidel’s penalty proved decisive, as the home side took a lead that the visitors tried to erase seven minutes later, creating a nervy battle that defined the opening half.

That victory brings a sense of peace and momentum to the Franjiverde squad and their surroundings. Elche demonstrated real football quality in the first half, showing they can compete at a high level. Yet the team also learned quickly that time on the ball must be used wisely to clinch games. Defending at times proved costly for Elche, and failing to convert a second goal nearly left them exposed in the second half. The young Villarreal B players pressed hard and created hopeful moments for their side.

Edgar Badía was in fine form, pulling off several crucial interceptions that shaped the match’s tempo and kept Elche ahead in key moments.

Beccacece shuffled the starting eleven, as he often does, and gave Tete Morente a renewed chance in the lineup after previous transfer rumors. The Cádiz veteran appeared with renewed intensity on the left side, where he supplied dangerous forward thrusts from defense into attack and continually tested the opposition’s rearguard.

Lucas Boyé started on the bench due to a lingering muscle issue, but he entered the field in the 58th minute. His availability remains a talking point as Elche bandies with Granada over transfer possibilities.

Other players considered potential exits included Raúl Guti and Lautaro Blanco as substitutes. The team from Zaragoza had to come off the field after Cristian Salvador suffered an injury in the 37th minute and did not return for the second half, a blow to Elche’s plans.

In the new-look starting lineup, Mario Gaspar occupied the right side of the back three, bringing much-needed experience and stability. Noveldense’s rhythm was not fully settled, but his inclusion aimed to anchor the defense and contribute offensively.

Cristian Salvador took on a pivotal role in midfield until his injury, while Nico Castro’s quality shone through. His link play and vision were clear signs of how the Franjiverde plan could unfold, with Nico Fernández working as the supporting striker. It was also noted that Josan, in the right wing, showed honesty and courage in his ball progression and decision-making.

Time for those committed to Elche

Elche’s lineup for the clash looked sharp and prepared. The team’s press was immediate, and when the ball left Villarreal B, Elche pressed high to recover possession. The 5-4-1 structure helped compress the space and force errors, with the home side dictating the pace in the opening period.

In the league opener against Ferrol, Elche started strong too, but this time the visitors could not shake off the pressure. A handball in the box led to a penalty, which Fidel converted confidently in the eighth minute, lifting Elche ahead in the absence of Boyé. Iker Álvarez’s defense could only watch as the ball found the back of the net.

With the lead established, the Franjiverdes maintained control and sought a second goal to ease nerves. The pressure was relentless, with Nico Fernández, Mourad, Nico Castro, Tete Morente, and Guti all testing the defense, but theclosing moments of the first half remained tense as Villarreal B pushed forward.

Elche extended their lead as the game progressed. Fidel’s successful penalty gave the home side a cushion, and Boyé’s absence due to his ongoing negotiations left the forward line still looking for a consistent focal point. Despite a high-pressing approach, the team maintained discipline and believed in their tactical plan.

Fidel taking the penalty

Beccacece’s team kept pressing and created additional chances to extend the lead before the halftime whistle. Opportunities arrived for Nico Fernández, Mourad, Nico Castro, Tete Morente, and Raúl Guti, but the finishing touch was not always there, keeping the scoreline delicate.

From domination to domination, the second half opened with Villarreal B repeating a more direct approach. Miguel Álvarez changed his shape, removing three central defenders in favor of a four-man back line to better press and control the tempo. The visiting side began to exert more pressure, pinning Elche back and testing the home defense again.

Villarreal B’s threat grew as the half advanced. The ball found its way to Ontiveros and Rodri Alonso, who forced saves from Badía and looked to exploit gaps down the flanks. The tension increased as a potential penalty call loomed for Mourad, though the referee ultimately ruled it majorly incidental. Ontiveros struck the crossbar, juices running high in Martínez Valero as nerves peaked for both teams.

Beccacece reacted with further changes, sending Boyé and Febas on for Mourad and Fidel to reinforce the attack and add fresh legs to the forward line.

Josan guards the ball against Ontiveros

The match settled into a more controlled phase as the second half wore on. Elche found more possession, but the ball rarely stayed in the attacking third for long, often transitioning through midfield before the final pass. The home team’s defense held firm, and the visitors struggled to force clear chances as the clock ticked away.

As the game wore toward its conclusion, Elche’s three-pronged attack—Josan, Boyé, and Nico Fernández—began to threaten more consistently, providing the needed insurance to protect the lead. Though the scoreline stayed tight, it never felt like Elche would surrender the advantage that had been built early on.

In the end, Beccacece’s squad closed out the victory with strong defensive discipline and pragmatic attacking play. The trio of points sits as a bright mark in a season that will demand resilience, strategic thinking, and a growing sense of unity within the squad. The win signals a promising path forward, one that could propel Elche toward more consistent performances in the competition.

DATA SHEET:

– Elche: Edgar Badía; Josan, Mario Gaspar, Bigas, Clerc; Tete Morente (Salinas, min. 84), Cristian Salvador (Raúl Guti, min. 37), Nico Castro (Óscar Plano, min. 84), Nico Fernández, Fidel (Aleix Febas, min. 58) and Mourad (Lucas Boyé, at least 58).

– VILLARREAL B: Iker Álvarez; Lanchi (Requena, min. 71), Hugo Pérez (Rodrigo, min. 46), Espigares, Abraham, Carlos Romero (Diego Collado, min. 77); Carlo, Del Moral, Ontiveros (Tiago, min. 71), Fores (Ferrari, min. 71), and Jorge Pascual.

– JUDGE: Sánchez López (Murcian Committee). He showed a yellow card to Josan and Clerc for Elche.

– AIM: 1-0 min. 8: Fidel, penalty.

– STADIUM: Martínez Valero in Elche with 13,318 spectators.