A tired Elche earned a win this morning over Getafe, marking the first time this season that the franciverde squad faced a top-tier opponent. It was their fourth pre-season friendly, decided by a narrow margin thanks to Mourad’s goal, and the team showed intent and focus for most of the 90 minutes. The match took place at 10:30 a.m. on the La Finca Golf Resort hotel’s pitch in Algorfa, where the squad has been stationed since Monday night to conduct a focused training phase.
Elche arrived with notable absences. In addition to the injuries already reported for Lucas Boyé and Ezequiel Ponce, Gonzalo Verdú returned from his last warm-up game carrying concerns, creating a situation where Francisco lined up the most competitive XI possible. In goal, Edgar Badia started behind a back line with Enzo Roco and Diego González as center-backs and Johan Mojica and Helibelton Palacios occupying wide roles on the flanks.
In midfield, Gerard Gumbau began with Raúl Guti, who had to be substituted in the 34th minute after appearing to limp and stagger. Omar Mascarell stepped in to fill the gap, with Fidel Chaves and Mourad alongside, and Tete Morente and Pere Milla pushing higher up the pitch. At times the formation trended toward 4-4-2, while on other moments Elche deployed one or three forwards depending on the phase of play.
The early contest saw Elche controlling the tempo. Although clear-cut chances were scarce, Gumbau created danger with two shots from free-kick positions in the opening minutes, one of which clipped a Getafe defender for a handball. Soon after, a Getafe striker pressed into the box and required a quick intervention from Badia as the ball looked set for a hit on target. By the 14th minute Mourad tested the keeper after a lively sequence involving Mojica and Fidel, as the visitors held the initiative for a spell.
Then the first goal arrived. Mourad found the net in the 17th minute with a precise finish near the line after Fidel pounced on a cross from Palacios, heading it into the back of the net. It was a stylish finish, the kind that reflects an instinct to chase every ball and convert opportunities with ruthless efficiency.
Elche remained on top as the half progressed. After the hydration break, Quique Sánchez stepped in from the sideline to instruct Flores’s side, switching the balance of play. About half an hour into the game, Alex Unal fired a powerful set piece that tested Badia, who remained sharp and well-positioned to push the shot away. The ball fell back into danger briefly, a moment Unal claimed a push appeared to merit a penalty, but without a decision coming in the end.
News arrived at 34 minutes with the potential injury to Raúl Guti. He exited the field with a pained gesture, and Mascarell took his place to bring control and continuity to the center of the park. Another substitution followed soon after: Josan stepped in for Tete Morente as Elche kept pressing forward. The match, played behind closed doors on television, offered limited on-screen insights into the substitutions, but the action on the field spoke clearly as the first half closed without further incident.
The second half unfolded with Elche again dictating terms. A dangerous foray forward yielded a promising sequence as Mourad looked to profit from the forward line’s pace and power. Getafe mounted a counter at the 56th minute, finishing with a header that narrowly missed the target as the defense regrouped. Elche’s back line steadied itself, and the team continued to probe with quick exchanges in the attacking third. Francisco adjusted his shape again, maintaining a high press and rapid ball circulation that kept Getafe on alert.
At 58 minutes, Josan connected with a Mojica cross in a moment of real quality. The shot found the net, but the assistant referee flagged offside, denying a legitimate goal that would have added gloss to the scoreline. The move illustrated the kind of intelligent geometry Elche can conjure with wide players linking with the attacking mid and strikers. The pattern persisted as the game wore on, with Milla and Josan combining to threaten again and again.
With the clock ticking, several changes came in at the 62nd minute as Bigas and John replaced Roco and González. Elche maintained pressure, showing glimpses of last season’s fluent ball movement and high-intensity pressing. The substitutions continued through the 69th minute, with Josema, Bane, Carles Marco, Salinas, and Rodri entering the fray as Palacios, Mojica, Milla, Gumbau, and Fidel came off. Rodri and Mourad remained further forward, sustaining the offensive rhythm while the defense reorganized behind them. Despite the constant reshaping, Elche stayed in control and continued to set the tempo of the game.
In the 73rd minute, Mourad produced a moment of magic, receiving a superb pass from Bigas and delivering a delicate finish that beat the goalkeeper and struck the crossbar. A moment later, Rodri carried the ball with purpose, while Carles Marco earned a yellow card for a late challenge in a build-up phase; Getafe also had their moments of danger as the away side sought a response. Ünal repeatedly tested Elche’s resolve, but the home team’s structure remained intact as the defense endured a final stretch without major peril.
When the referee finally blew the whistle, Elche had delivered its most complete pre-season performance to date, characterized by strong organization, high energy, and notable losses to overcome ahead of the La Liga campaign. The squad’s depth showed promise, and the performance suggested a side capable of competing while still awaiting reinforcements to bolster a competitive base ahead of the league opener in 19 days.