HE Elche CF advanced through the cup tie with a display that mixed grit and skill, turning their Copa del Rey encounter into a test of nerve against CE Europe, a Second RFEF side. The early stages produced pressure and some uncertainty, but Elche answered with sharper finishing and a clearer game plan, especially in the second half, which tilted the balance in their favor.
Murad found a moment of clarity on the edge of the break, and Rodrigo Mendoza joined the scoring river ten minutes before halftime, allowing Franjiverdes to clinch the win in a fair, well-earned fashion. Elche showed a practical edge, converting chances when they appeared and defending compactly when the pressure mounted.
Beccacece set his team up with a strong starting XI, four familiar names and three homegrown players: Pamies, Rodrigo Mendoza and Adam Boyar. The lineup reflected a blend of experience and local talent that the coach trusted to implement his plan on a tougher stage.
Cup of opportunities for Elche
VL Deltell
Elche controlled the rhythm from the opening whistle, defending in a three-man back line: Álex Martín, Diego González and Pamies, with Carreira and Lautaro Blanco operating on the flanks. The left side became a focal point, with Cristian Salvador and Raúl Guti trying to stabilize the midfield. Rodrigo Mendoza started leaning to the right, then shifted toward the center, freeing space for Adam and Murad to act as attacking outlets. Murad, healthy and driven, remained the central reference in attack for Elche early on.
The match took place on Nou Sardenia’s surface, a field smaller than Valero, which challenged both sides to adapt quickly to the cup pace and the Catalan atmosphere. Promoted by more than 4,000 amateur supporters, the surroundings gave a cup energy that contrasted with league games. Elche, while aware of the different context, pressed high and sought to impose tempo, even as Beccacece urged patient build-up from the back against Europa’s organized pressing.
The visitors from Elche pressed forward with intent and were ready to respond when Europa applied pressure. The Catalan side’s lesson in compact defense nearly produced a costly error for Elche when Cristian Salvador mistimed a clearance at home, showing that any lapse would be punished in this environment.
Beccacece: “Elche is going to the Cup with great enthusiasm”
VL Deltell
Alex Pla tested the visitors with a moment that sent a shiver through Elche’s defense. After an aggressive run into the box, his shot forced a save from the Elche goalkeeper, who parried with a firm stop and kept the danger from becoming a goal. The opening minutes of pressure from the French side signaled Europa’s intent to take control, but Elche remained steady and composed.
As the minutes ticked on, Europa began to dominate the ball more decisively. Elche had their first real opening in the 22nd minute following a combination between Adam and Mourad; Raúl Guti stepped up and forced a save from Marc Vito, who repelled the attempt with a well-timed intervention. The ensuing moments saw Cristian Salvador create another shooting opportunity from the edge of the area, keeping Elche in the contest and signaling that the balance could tip at any moment.
The Barcelona side pressed on with conviction, and Edgar Badia reacted quickly to sprint from his line as Adri Gené’s effort threatened the goal. Right before the break, Mourad rose to meet a corner and, after two defenders blocked the initial attempt, he pounced on the rebound and found the back of the net. The strike was chalked up as a goal for Elche after the ball crossed the line, despite protests from Europa players who sought a different decision. The stadium audience roared in approval as the underdog team took a slender lead into halftime.
Elche’s coaching staff celebrated the moment as a turning point, recognizing that the cup demands not just energy but smart game management, especially when playing against a side that can shift gears quickly.
The second half demanded more of the same from Beccacece’s squad: discipline, quick transitions, and the willingness to take risks when the opportunity arose. As the minutes passed, Europa attempted to press higher and faster, yet Elche’s defense held firm and goalkeeper Badia remained calm under pressure.
Europa did not surrender. Sevetti and Aliga? also sought chances, and Beccacece had to recalibrate with substitutions. Diego González had to retire with a hamstring issue, Mario Gaspar came on, and Nico Fernandez replaced Adam. A short while later, Nico Castro replaced Álex Martín after calf trouble forced a stoppage and a reshuffle in the back line.
In the 81st minute, Elche’s academy product converted from the spot after a fine pass from Mourad, clinching a decisive cushion. The young substitute Óscar Plano took the field later in the match, allowing Elche to manage the clock and protect their lead. The late stages saw Elche celebrate a win that reflected their maturity in cup settings and their ability to convert opportunities into meaningful goals.
This victory underscored the gap in level between the two teams, especially in clinical finishing and defends organization. Elche’s performance demonstrated strategic balance: a solid defense, purposeful build-up play, and a forward line capable of exploiting chances when they appeared. The cup journey, for now, looked promising for the Franjiverdes.
DATA SHEET:
EC EUROPE: Marc Vito, Mario (Michael, m. 84), Cano, Campeny, Eslava (Manel, m. 84), Aliaga, Álex Pla (Bermu, m. 80), Pau López, Castell (Vales, m. 57), Adri Gené (Servetti, d. 57) and Noel.
ELCHE CF: Edgar Badia, Carreira, Álex Martín (Nico Castro, m. 78), Diego González (Mario Gaspar, m. 63), Pamies, Lautaro Blanco, Cristian Salvador, Raúl Guti, Rodrigo Mendoza (Óscar Plano, m. 89), Adam Boyar (Nico Fernández, art. 63) and Mourad.
GOALS: 0-1, m. 43, Murad. 0-2, m. 81, Rodrigo Mendoza.
JUDGE: Lax Franco from the Murcian school. The local showed Pau López a yellow card.
STADIUM: Nou Sardenya, in front of 4,032 spectators.
Note: For this match report, details reflect the action and outcomes on the day of the game. [Match report attribution]