A practical, defense-first battle defined the day as Elche CF snapped a long winless run in Tenerife, securing three precious points to kick off the second half of the season and close the gap to direct rivals in the standings. The victory marks a meaningful step forward for Beccacece’s squad, underscoring resilience and efficiency over style when it matters most.
The Franjiverdes claimed a result built on disciplined defending and timely attacking punches. In a contest where every point mattered, Elche delivered a performance that balanced grit with organization, signaling a shift toward greater consistency in the league campaign.
Also making their debuts were Dituro and Manu Nieto, two winter reinforcements whose introductions brought fresh energy to the squad. The early payoff came in the second round as Elche builds momentum, eyes a climb up the table, and pursues promotion ambitions to the top flight.
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Elche’s manager described the opening week’s team assembly as inclusive and pragmatic, with Dituro stepping in as the starting goalkeeper. The Argentine moved quickly to assert himself between the posts, displaying calm ball control, solid reflexes, and a sense of authority that reassured the defense.
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The opening phase of the match quickly rewarded Elche. Just two minutes in, Clerc delivered a cross from the left into the heart of the area, Murad failed to connect decisively, and Juan Soriano’s initial save produced a rebound that Rodrigo Mendoza converted to put Elche ahead early.
Elche’s charging start set the tone. Mendoza’s poise in front of goal highlighted a youngster growing into a key role, while the team’s shape remained compact and vigilant at the back. Social media captures from the day reflected the moment, reinforcing the sentiment of a developing player making a real impact.
Elche’s approach leaned on solid defense and quick transitions. Tenerife controlled possession but found little clear-cut threat on Dituro’s goal. Rodrigo Mendoza and Tete Morente supported the flanks, with Nico Fernández tracking runners and helping to pin the ball in front of the defense. The visitors pursued quick, direct moves as Tenerife pressed high, but Elche’s compact shape kept the home team at bay.
Beccacece’s crew pushed for a second goal through fast combinations and smart positional play. Bodiger and Morente tested the keeper, while the Tenerife defense absorbed pressure, looking for moments to counter. Two cautions—one to Bodiger and another to Aitor Sanz—warned the midfields going into the late first half, shaping the rhythm of the second period.
As the game reached the hour mark, Elche extended their lead with a move reminiscent of the opener. A short sequence involving Mourad released Rodrigo Mendoza into space, and despite a vigorous intervention from Soriano, Mendoza redirected the ball home for a second time, signaling a promising lift in the visitors’ performance.
Elche’s early advantage proved sustainable with a blend of defensive discipline and effective pressing. The squad’s tactical flexibility allowed for a bustling second half, with Morente and Mourad orchestrating chances while Nico Fernández and Mourad contributed to the press and defensive cover.
The home side, under the guidance of a quick substitution plan by Asier Garitano, shuffled personnel to generate more balance. Álex Corredera and Sergio González replaced Bodiger and Aitor Sanz to refresh the midfield, while Beccacece rotated in Pedro Bigas for a central defensive role, which prompted the shift to a four-full-back system as the match persisted without a traditional center-back. Despite the changes, Elche’s shape remained steady and disciplined, relying on a resilient back line and compact midblock to protect the lead.
Pedro Bigas exited at half-time due to back concerns, and Salinas stepped in as a replacement to fill the defensive duties. The tactical adjustments reflected Elche’s readiness to adapt during the match, prioritizing the protection of the result while keeping the forward lines active in support of Mendoza and Mourad.
The match also featured Nico Fernández moving to the right flank and Mendoza drifting inward at times, with Febas and Mourad providing support behind the lead striker. Nieto’s late introduction signaled Elche’s intent to exploit fresh legs and maintain pressure in the final third as the clock wound down.
Although Tenerife maintained possession in the latter stages, they failed to penetrate Dituro’s area with danger. The goalkeeper’s composure, allied with a well-drilled defense, ensured Elche could manage the closing minutes with confidence. The locals created a few attempts, including a late header from Eric Gallego and a cross that required attention from the new Elche goalkeeper, who remained vigilant to the end.
As the clock ebbed away, Elche’s control of the game’s tempo proved decisive. Substitutions in the final minutes—Nico Castro for Febas, Cristian Salvador for John, and Borja Garcés for Mourad—allowed the visitors to close out the match with minimal risk. Beccacece’s side preserved their narrow lead and celebrated a crucial win that could lift morale across the squad.
Elche thus added three vital points against a direct rival. The victory underscored a practical, results-focused mindset, proving that good things can happen when defense is solid, and opportunities are seized at the right moment. With the second round underway, Elche looks ahead to another stern test against Valladolid the following weekend, a match that could further define the team’s trajectory for the season.
DATA SHEET: – TENERIFE: Soriano, Mellot, Amo, Loic, Medrano, Bodiger, Sanz, Luismi Cruz, Nacho, López, Rodríguez. –Elche: Dituro, Carreira, Mario Gaspar, Bigas, Clerc, John, Febas, Mendoza, Nico Fernández, Morente, Mourad. AIM: 0-1 Mendoza. STADIUM: Heliodoro Rodríguez López. Attendance: 17,177.