Elche faced a tough Sunday as Valencia asserted pressure early and capitalized on mistakes. The match quickly took a dramatic turn when Pedro Bigas sustained a heavy blow, forcing him to leave the field on a stretcher just moments after a heated collision in a regional derby. The incident reverberated through the stands and on the pitch, casting a shadow over the host club’s performance.
The Balearic Islands defender had to be carried off after a challenge that left him with an unstable knee. The ball had been loose after a split pass, and the opponent went in with speed to reach it, a move that the referee judged as a foul in favor of Elche. A yellow card was issued to the opposing player. Bigas lay on the turf clutching his face in pain as the minutes ticked by, with concern growing among teammates and supporters alike.
From the opening moments, the situation looked serious. Bigas exited the field on a stretcher and was replaced by Lautaro Blanco. The early disruption marked a troubling start for a player who had to be pulled from action at a critical juncture of the game after the first rough encounter of the day.
In the ensuing minutes, Bigas was examined at the Martínez Valero stadium facilities. The concern grew that the injury could be ligament-related, jeopardizing his season and potentially keeping him out for an extended period. Further evaluations were planned to provide a clearer diagnosis and guide the healing process in the hours ahead.
Beccacece, who had joined as the Argentine coach overseeing Elche, faced the challenge of adapting on the fly after the setback. The coach expressed disappointment at the injury, reflecting on the impact it would have on the squad. The incident also affected the team’s tactical approach, as the coach’s plans needed immediate adjustment to cope with the absence of a core defender. Bigas had appeared in 24 league matches this season, with 21 of them in the upper tier, contributing steadily to the club’s efforts despite the early adversity.