Chronicle of Elche vs Andorra: Borja Garcés Comes Through as Beccacece’s Side Fights Back
To reverse a fragile league start and push toward the top, Elche CF must maximize the best form of most players in its squad. The aim is clear: climb higher in the standings and chase promotion to the First Division.
One player who advanced his contribution in last Monday’s clash with Andorra was Fidel Chaves. The team captain emerged as a driving force, stepping out from the locker room to steer the game with purpose and intent.
The midfield axis moved with notable freedom, functioning as a keystone that steadied the team on both the right and left flanks.
The Huelva-born midfielder, who started the run of attacking moves, created opportunities that culminated in two goals. In the first half he attacked the right wing before delivering a precise pass to the penalty area, setting up Sergio León for the ball to hit the back of the net. Oscar Plano then doubled the advantage with a second strike, sending Franjiverde ahead on the scoreboard.
Fidel, unavailable for long spells this season, has seen Gumbau take on the bulk of the collective strategy. The sequence for the second goal began with a corner kick from Fidel, who sent the ball into the crowded box. An Andorran defender cleared, but the ball found Nico Castro, who delivered a lethal cross to the heart of the box. Borja Garcés met the delivery with a decisive finish to seal the result for Elche.
Elche–Andorra Chronicles: Borja Garcés Delivers and Beccacece Earns League Spot
JA Galván
The captain’s influence was profound throughout the match, marking a notable improvement in performance from earlier rounds and showing a level of physical endurance that kept him on the field for the full 90 minutes.
Beccacece, the Huelva midfielder, has been a constant presence in the starting lineup. He began the season as a regular starter in the first XI, and last Monday he completed a full game for the first time after previously being substituted in several matches. His minutes tally is among the team leaders, underscoring his role in the midfield engine room at 755 minutes.
Fidel fulfilled his duties in what was the fifth season of his second stint with Elche, exemplifying loyalty and consistency. On matchday he led from the front, contributing a standout performance at a critical moment for the club.
The captain’s impact appears essential for the team’s recovery. A player of exceptional quality, Fidel has evolved from a fleet-footed winger on the left into a more orchestrated midfielder, able to shape play and influence the tempo when the ball is in his feet.
There is always something possible when Fidel touches the ball. His teammates know he can spot and make passes that others might not even see, threading balls through tight spaces and unlocking defenses with precision.
Fidel Chaves has been central to Elche’s last two promotions to the First Division. Yet he dismisses the notion that this defines him; his plan is to remain in Elche beyond his playing days. He recently bought an apartment near the Martínez Valero stadium, underscoring his commitment to the club. On the Andorra night he was deeply focused, delivering his best performance of the season at a crucial moment.
Febás and Nico Fernández
Fidel also found himself alongside other midfield teammates during the build-up to the game. Alex Febas and Nico Fernández Mercau contributed to control and possession in midfield.
The Catalan player did not settle into a fixed position. He shifted forward a few meters, even venturing out to press the Andorran midfielders. Jandro Orellana controlled the ball at times. Febas has quickly earned a reputation as one of the club’s brightest reinforcements in the early rounds.
Meanwhile, the Argentinian midfielder showed impressive form, moving energetically across the pitch. He still has room for improvement in the final pass and in the finishing touch, with goal attempts that deserve a sharper line and more accuracy.