Three defeats in a row to Valencia, Athletic Bilbao, and Real Sociedad had left doubts about the finish of the season. Elche CF faced fear for the final stretch. Yet Francisco’s squad hit reset and responded with a decisive win last Saturday, beating Mallorca 3-0. That result underscored the team’s progress and earned them a well-deserved reward for their hard work, placing them six matches from the end with all homework in order.
Elche heads into the closing leg of the campaign sitting comfortably in thirteenth, with a sizable cushion over the relegation zone and a clear buffer over most rivals. The Franjiverdes own a ten-point gap over Alavés and Levante, who remain in contention but still face steep climbs. The bottom two clubs have hoped for a late surge after their weekend victories against Rayo and Granada. Right behind them sits Cádiz, who has a late-match in store on Monday. A potential swing happens when Camp Nou hosts Barcelona, with Mallorca and Granada seven points adrift, helped by goal difference favored toward Francisco’s men. Getafe and Rayo Vallecano remain within three and two points, respectively, as Martínez Valero awaits its final day showdown.
GOOD BED
Only 18 points remain to play for.
Season finales can throw up odd results, especially when teams have nothing left to prove and others push for pride or renewal. Elche showed resilience last season and continues to fight. With just 18 points on the table, it would be a surprise if the Franjiverdes squandered their seven-point cushion, or even six, provided Cádiz does not topple Barcelona on Monday night.
Their schedule is not punitive. On Tuesday they travel to Real Betis with the cup final appetite in mind, followed by Osasuna, who have also kept their own agenda. Then Cádiz comes into play, threatening survival, before Atlético Madrid finishes La Liga against Celta and Getafe. In short, the remaining matches must be treated as important formality but still contested with focus and discipline.
Elche’s survival is not mathematically sealed yet, but it feels close enough to be considered virtually secure. It would be wise for Francisco’s side to secure the safety cushion early and finish the season with calm. There’s also a potential financial bonus tied to improving their league position, which adds extra incentive to close out strongly.
IMPORTANT MOMENTS
The Franjiverdes did not falter against direct rivals.
Another reason for Francisco’s confidence is that Elche answered big tests against league foes. Martínez Valero nearly yielded a draw in a gritty stalemate with Granada, a match in which Elche played with one man short for most of the second half, yet still earned a point. A stumble against Levante (3-0) in Valencia was the exception; most direct clashes went Elche’s way: Alavés (3-1), Rayo Vallecano (2-1), Granada (0-1), Mallorca (3-0). Twelve points have kept the team buoyant today. If the same consistent form holds in remaining clashes with Osasuna, Cádiz, Celta, and Getafe, a near-50-point tally for the season could be within reach—an impressive achievement given the circumstances.
GOOD DRESS
Players are unified, focused, and aware of their place in the squad.
The Elche lineup has shown they can be excellent pupils, absorbing Francisco’s methods and pushing the team forward. The Almeria-born coach brought a boost of ambition, quality, and drive. Everyone on the squad understands their role, leaving egos aside and embracing the plan with collective effort as the reward.
Key players such as Lucas Boyé, Pedro Bigas, or Helibelton Palacios faced injuries, suspensions, and even Covid disruptions. Yet those who did not feature, like Gonzalo Verdú, Josan, Raúl Guti, or Kike Pérez, stepped up when needed. Guido Carrillo seized the chance to lead during Boyé’s absence in January, while Fidel assumed the responsibilities of Gumbau and Pere Milla. Diego González and Tete Morente contributed as needed, and when the team required fresh energy, subs like Barragán, Piatti, or Lucas Olaza delivered. Francisco has earned the respect of the locker room, and a belief in the coaching staff has become a cornerstone of their ongoing campaign, helping them press through the final stretch without the pressure of relegation revalidation.