Elche aims to reveal a fresh approach
In the wake of a tense afternoon, the match between Elche CF and Real Valladolid promises drama at Martinez Valero. The home side is chasing a second consecutive win on home soil to keep the faith alive in their battle for survival, following a recent victory on the road. Valladolid, fresh from a win over Espanyol, also needs points to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The stakes feel high for both teams as kickoff approaches in what should be a pivotal clash.
The teams, along with staff and supporters, arrived at the Franjiverde arena with a sense of purpose. Elche’s group rolled in notably early, arriving two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. A section of Elche fans, led by supporters’ groups, welcomed the squad with banners, green smoke, and a visible show of allegiance, signaling a night when atmosphere could influence performance. The mood inside the stadium reflected a city’s hope that a strong performance could translate into important league points.
Forward presence and tactical considerations were on the minds of both benches as team sheets were discussed. One of the club’s standout players—recently returning from injury—was listed among the 23 players expected to feature, and officials stressed that he would be available in a protective capacity if needed. The management hinted at a cautious approach, prioritizing squad balance and the chance to push through a demanding schedule with careful rotations.
#ElcheRealValladolid || #MuchoElche pic.twitter.com/idoH0ZT7sB
— Elche Football Club (@elchecf) March 11, 2023
Earlier in the campaign, Elche’s attacker had endured a fracture to the left collarbone, a setback suffered in a recent league encounter against Villarreal after striking three goals in a prior fixture. Pere Milla showed resilience in his rehabilitation, trimming his recovery time and returning to training more quickly than anticipated, signaling a strong possibility of contributing to the squad once again as determined plans took shape for the match.
Pere Milla lifts the squad’s spirits
VL Deltel
In the lead up to kick-off, there was a sense of anticipation about a potential reunion with several Valladolid personnel and the coach, Pacheta. As the Valladolid delegation arrived at the stadium, the coach stepped onto the pitch to survey the surface and greet Elche’s owner, Christian Bragarnik, at the locker room entrance. The handshake and brief exchange underscored the cordial but competitive mood that characterizes top-flight encounters between neighbors of the same region and a shared history in Spanish football.
Pacheta returns to Elche amid fan support and stadium indifference from the box
JA Galvanized
The Elche squad is composed of twenty-three players. The roster includes goalkeepers Edgar Badia and Axel Werner, a defensive line featuring Pol Lirola, Carmona, Helibelton Palacios, Gonzalo Verdú, Diego González, Enzo Roco, Pedro Bigas, Magallán, Carlos Clerc, Lautaro Blanco, and Nico Fernández Mercau. In midfield, the options are solid with Omar Mascarell, Gerard Gumbau, Raúl Guti, Fidel Chaves, Tete Morente, and Josan Ferrandez. Up front, the attack is led by Lucas Boyé, Ezequiel Ponce, Randy Nteka, and Pere Milla, a group capable of providing both creativity and finishing ability throughout the campaign.
The team’s balance and depth give coach and supporters confidence as the season advances. With a mix of experience and fresh energy, Elche aims to translate daily training into tangible results on the pitch. The emphasis remains on collective effort, disciplined defense, and a quick counter-attacking threat that can break open tight games. In turning recent performances into momentum, the squad seeks to convert opportunities into points and slowly climb the table toward safety.