That’s why the clash between Elche CF and SD Huesca has carried a tone of unfinished business for both teams. It’s been a kind of forbidden fruit so far, and the pair meet again with a chance to end the streak. The game takes place Sunday at 16:15, at the El Alcoraz stadium.
Beccacece noted that when his squad played with the same rhythm as in Martínez Valero last Friday, they collected points and came close to victory on their home turf. He urged his team to maintain the same method of play, aiming to secure three points away at Huesca. The Franjiverde coach also highlighted the improvement shown in the away fixture during the derby against Eldense last Sunday.
Elche cannot afford another misstep. The rivals in the promotion race are pulling away, and anything less than a win in Huesca would push them back toward a crisis, especially after the defeat at Gijón. The sense of urgency is clear across the locker room as players and staff prepare for a meticulously planned encounter in hopes of returning to Elche with all the spoils.
The task is not simple. Antonio Hidalgo has taken over the Alto Aragon side from Cuco Ziganda and opened with a valuable draw against Eibar. He sees this match as an opportunity to demonstrate how his squad can respond to the challenge and keep the promotion dream alive.
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Elche will be without their primary attacking reference for this game, Sergio León. The Córdoba native sustained a torn hamstring in the Elda incident and will be sidelined for roughly three months. The absence is significant, with Borja Garcés and Mourad acting as the remaining specialized offensive options for the team.
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John Chetauaya has started participating in some group practice sessions after his fibula surgery last July. The young forward is progressing, but he will likely need several weeks before he is ready for competitive action.
Fidel Chaves has been dealing with calf muscle discomfort in recent weeks, and everything points to him missing this afternoon’s match.
Beccacece may need to shuffle the starting eleven. The question is who will replace Fidel. If the Argentinian coach gives the nod to Cristian Salvador, he could return to El Alcoraz, where he spent the previous two seasons, bringing balance to the midfield. Alternatively, Nico Castro could start. The Argentine performed well against Eldense, scoring the equalizer and contributing to Elche’s improved play after coming on in the second half.
Borja Garcés is expected to replace Sergio León. The young striker, on loan from Atletico de Madrid, has returned after a month of injury and showed encouraging signs this season, including goals against Andorra and in Elda. A goal against Elche would let Garcés seize a leading role in the absence of León.
No other changes are anticipated in the squad. Josan could shift to the right wing in place of Tete Morente, who has yet to reach the form shown in recent attempts.
Beccacece reiterated on Friday that the only way to reverse the home situation is to keep the initiative, control the tempo, and outmaneuver opponents, as Elche did in most matches at Martínez Valero.