The 61st Festa d’Elx Trophy took Elche to Leeds, marking their debut in front of a crowd of 12,117 at Martínez Valero yesterday. Machín’s side showed a new image, yet the result remained the same: a 1-2 defeat.
great first half
Elche delivered a complete first half with chances, sustained pressure, and quick transitions after losses. They controlled possession, pressed relentlessly, and had decision makers who found space. It was another display of Elche’s evolving style, anchored by a defense built around three center backs and two wingers. John operated as a central defender with Bigas to his left and Clerc on the right. Palacios and Josan operated centrally. The midfield boasted Mascarell’s organization, Raúl Guti’s tenacity, and Pere Milla’s movement. Up front, Roger and Boyé created space, received well, and looked to stretch the play.
This is Elche’s eleven against Leeds: VL Deltel.
first time
Early in the match, the referee ruled Milla offside on a goal after Boyé fired close to the goal, a decision that unsettled the home side. In the fourth minute, John denied a Leeds opportunity and collided with Summerville, leaving both players momentarily sidelined and the pitch briefly in disarray. Gonzalo Verdu soon entered after the stoppage.
had it at Roger
Mascarell shot high in the 16th minute, and in the 23rd Boyé released a fine through ball to Roger who arrived fatigued but ready. He struck powerfully, but the effort sailed over the bar. Frangiverde commanded the ball in set pieces, while Guti picked up a yellow card in the 27th minute. Two minutes later a fast counter led by Milla was halted by Roger, whose shot was saved and deflected for a corner by a defender.
local destination
Another strong performance from a veteran at 37, Josan, Milla, and Boyé combined in a short passing sequence that culminated in a corner. One minute before the interval Mascarell controlled the ball in midfield, spotted the run of Josan, who drilled a shot into the net after it deflected off the goalkeeper and hit the post. The goal came with a roar from Crevillentino supporters who had stayed active throughout the match.
second part
The second half began with seven changes for Franjiverde as Badia, Guti, Boyé, Milla, Josan, Roger and Clerc took the field. Werner, Quina, Collado, Fidel, Ponce, Lirola and Lautaro also entered for a fresh burst of energy. Elche appeared renewed but matched the Leeds’ intensity from the start. Despite the win still in sight for the visitors, the team carried the same hunger and strength as the first period. At 59, Leeds responded with a well-coordinated attack finished by Gelhardt. Immediately, four substitutions came for Elche with Gumbau, Nico, Cocca and Pamies entering for Verdú, Bigas, Palacios and Mascarell, while Leeds also rotated heavily. Gumbau moved into a center back position and the shape remained consistent in this refreshed Elche.
ancient ghosts
After the away goal, memories of past struggles briefly resurfaced, but the team recovered quickly and regained control. They pressed hard and tested Leeds with several corners. Fidel showed up in the attack, with Collado and Quina also involved. In the 76th minute Nico unleashed a powerful shot that the goalkeeper tipped away. Errors crept back in as Leeds grew bolder, and in the 87th minute Kilc fired from outside the area before the match ended. It finished with another defeat and a renewed sense that Elche could still compete at this level.