Elche and Valladolid have long been rivals in the Segunda Division, sharing a history of tight matches and evenly split results. This Sunday, at 9 p.m., the stage is set for a clash that has consistently reflected balance: five wins for Elche at home, four for Valladolid on the road, with a total of 15Franjiverdes goals and 13 for Pucelanos, plus two draws. The head-to-head record reads like a mirror, with every outcome seemingly earned through stubborn defense and swift counterattacks.
Elche prepares for the Valladolid match with two losses and two doubts
The latest Elche setback closes a chapter of two defeats in quick succession, raising questions about form and availability ahead of the Valladolid encounter. The squad has been monitoring fitness closely, with two players carrying uncertainties into the week. Coaches are weighing tactical adjustments and rotation options to reclaim rhythm and build momentum for the looming test against a stubborn Valladolid unit.
The most recent Franjiverde victory in the second tier was achieved during the 2016-2017 campaign, when Elche claimed a 2-0 win with both goals netted by Álex. That season, under the direction of Toril, the lineup featured familiar names such as Juan Carlos, José Ángel, Pelegrín, Edu Albacar, Luis Pérez, Matilla, Pedro, Hervías, Dorca, and Nino. The match drew a crowd of 6,775 to the stadium, an attendance that underscored the club’s enduring support during a period of ambition and renewal.
In the most recent high-stakes confrontation, Tete Morente celebrated his goal in a memorable meeting between the clubs, underscoring the local derby’s emotional intensity. The fixture, captured in a moment of communal pride, remains a highlight in the archives of the clubs’ interleague history. The image of Morente’s celebration is often recalled by fans as a symbol of Elche’s competitive spirit in this rivalry.
Positive total history
Overall, Elche’s record against Valladolid at the home venue has been more favorable for the hosts. Across all meetings, Elche has posted 11 wins and 7 draws from 24 meetings, with Valladolid earning 6 wins. This historical edge feeds into the narrative that the home side often leverages familiarity with Martínez Valero to press the pace and control the tempo of the match. The atmosphere at the stadium has become a tangible factor, as supporters remember dramatic moments and near-misses that shaped the rivalry.
Valladolid’s last trip to Martínez Valero occurred in the previous season, with a notable moment on March 11, 2023. Machín sat on the home bench as Tete Morente found the equalizer in the 96th minute, producing a dramatic late twist that sent the stadium into a mixed roar of relief and exhilaration. The comeback featured Cyle Larín’s opener in front of a crowd of 18,972, and the match also saw Óscar Plano—who later faced injury—represent Valladolid in that encounter. The sense of drama in that game continues to color conversations about this fixture and the tactical chess match between the two teams.
Mariano de Prado has stated that work is underway to manage Óscar Plano’s injury and facilitate a rapid return to full fitness, signaling a broader focus on squad depth and readiness for upcoming fixtures. The club has emphasized a careful but urgent approach to recovery to avoid any long-term impact on his contribution to the season’s campaign.
crashes
The rivalry, which also has a footprint in their earlier top-flight history, includes a notable 1-0 victory for the visiting side Fidel in the 22nd minute during a recent encounter. Lucas Olaza, who later joined the Franjiverde ranks, contributed in the 86th minute. The most recent definitive Franjiverde defeat at home against Valladolid came in the 2011-2012 season with a 1-2 scoreline, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can reverse in this fixture.
[Citation: Club archives and match reports provide a detailed record of results and key moments in this rivalry.]