It is noted that most of the preseason action was against lower-tier opposition, including First RFEF Intercity and Torrellano from the Third RFEF. The Elche forwards sharpened their instincts, and the squad struck decisively as goals accumulated across the five friendly matches under the new Machín era, with a total tally of 18 goals that boosted confidence before the competitive phase began.
Goals and good vibes for Elche
JA Galvanized
comparative
So far in the pre-season, Elche has contributed less than half of the total goals scored. The team, guided by Francisco in the preparations, added seven goals while opponents carried more volume, reflecting a longer slate of matches and a higher level of competition during the warm-up period.
In official action, Elche found the back of the net thirteen times. Three of those came in the Copa del Rey against Alcora (two by Roger and one by Ponce). In LaLiga, the team, then under the guidance of a rotating set of coaches with Machín awaiting his official debut, managed ten goals across fourteen league fixtures.
Lucas Boye
The scoring drought in the league opener extended to players like Lucas Boyé, who had produced six and eight goals in the prior seasons but opened this campaign with a single strike. He found the net three times in a midweek cup clash against Intercity and also scored in league play at Vallecas. A late penalty against Villarreal B in the preseason added to his tally, though the results were not in the team’s favor in those matches.
Roger Marti
Under Machín, Roger Martí became a regular piece alongside the Argentine forward. The new arrival brought stamina and finishing touch to Elche, adding a brace in the Copa del Rey and producing moments in friendlies against Intercity. The pair offered a glimpse of attacking intent as the team prepared for the season.
Milla-Ponce couple
The tandem of Pere Milla and Ezequiel Ponce provided frequent attacking options. The Catalan striker slotted three league goals, including a penalty, and contributed to two draws, one in Valencia with a late double and another in Barcelona against Espanyol that finished 2-2.
Pere Milla led the charge in friendlies, scoring in a 2-1 victory over Leganés this summer and turning up for Genk and Torrellano in subsequent fixtures. The Argentine forward added a four-goal haul across preseason action, including a double at La Nucía and goals against Torrellano, Genk, and West Bromwich Albion, while his teammate contributed to the attacking balance as well.
In other pre-season showings, Poncha’s double at La Nucía and a handful of goals against Torrellano rounded out the forward options as the squad built depth and confidence.
Other scorers
Collado, Verdú, Josan and Lirola joined the group as the four French-green scorers in official competition. In friendlies, Palacios contributed against La Nucía and Intercity, while Raúl Guti also found the net. Josan delivered a standout strike against Leeds, and Tete Morente helped secure victories in the summer, including a 1-0 win over Getafe. In the midweek clash with Torrellano, Fidel opened the scoring and Nico completed a hat-trick, signaling a broad weaponry in the squad.
Elche scores seven more goals against Torrellano (7-0)
JA Galvanized
The Argentine winger emerged as a versatile asset, starting as a striker and delivering a trio of goals. The post-match reflections emphasized that friendly games are key for building team confidence and comfort, with the players expressing satisfaction with progress and their growing self-assurance.
New Age
18 goals were tallied across five matches with Machín on the bench, signaling a fresh energy under the new coach. The squad experimented with a defined system, often playing behind closed doors, yet the Festa d’Elx Trophy provided a glimpse of a more cohesive Elche, especially in the opening half. The classic 1-5-3-2 shape persisted as the base approach for many fixtures.
The new regime produced results mainly against lower-tier sides like West Bromwich Albion, Intercity, and Torrellano, while facing stronger competition from Leeds United and Genk in friendlies. The real tests lie ahead in the Copa del Rey and LaLiga as the season approaches its peak, with fixtures against Guadalajara and Atlético Madrid on the schedule, inviting a clearer assessment of Elche’s trajectory.