Neither Pere Milla nor Edinson Cavani found the net. Nor did the newcomer Jorge Almirón claim the spotlight. Gennaro Gattuso did not steal the show either. The real focal point in Valencia-Elche was Pulido Santana, the match official, and this was his first big moment under the glare. As is often the case when a referee becomes the talking point, it stems from a controversial decision, or a string of them, that leaves everyone buzzing.
Improvement point for Elche in Valencia despite the referee (2-2)
J.A. Galvan
In the Pulido Santana moment, one call may have seemed decisive, yet the incident reflected broader issues. Elche’s reaction to Nico Fernández’s goal being nullified after the assistant referee signaled for the advantage laid bare a willingness to challenge fairness while keeping emotions in check. The club’s leadership had already set a tone, choosing not to escalate the public debate, and the moment was handled with a measured calm. There was recognition that errors can happen, and the team emphasized understanding rather than confrontation, aiming to acknowledge the mistake without feeding further controversy. The decision, while unsettling, did not derail the focus on the larger context of the game and its consequences for the squad.
Pere Milla, stationed near the touchline, responded with restraint and clarity. He acknowledged the referee’s error, noting that referees are human and that football demands acceptance of imperfect calls. The player had previously voiced his discomfort with refereeing in another high-profile match, but here he chose a constructive path. His two goals later in the game offered a lift in morale and reinforced the idea that resilience matters in football.
Pere Milla on the controversial goal against Elche:
️ “The referee made a mistake. He knows and noticed”
️ “Nothing happens. This is football and we all make mistakes. We are not machines.” #League #LaCasaDelFootball
– Football on Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFootball) 15 October 2022
In the mixed media session, Jorge Almirón avoided inflaming the situation. Pulido Santana confirmed the official apologized to Elche’s players for the error, but the club’s stance remained that the game should continue, with the belief that experienced referees should let the match flow. The overriding sentiment was a feeling of injustice, yet a commitment to competing at the professional level and moving forward.
Almirón on the canceled goal against Elche: “The referee told us he was in a hurry and apologized”
David Marin
In the post-match press area, Diego González and Tete Morente offered a tempered view alongside teammates. They expressed hurt over a disallowed goal that could have changed the outcome, while stressing a desire not to be unfairly treated, nor to be deprived of a fair chance. The essence was a call for balance and accountability, not retaliation.
The club further conveyed its perspective through official channels. A message accompanied by the image of Nico Fernández reacting to the goal that was canceled conveyed a united front: Elche would persist and fight for its principles. The tone was resolute and forward-looking, underscoring the team’s commitment to its style and its fans.
Screams and confusion spread outside the arena as fans and media tried to interpret the decision. The incident triggered a wider conversation across the nation, highlighting the impact of officiating decisions on a club’s momentum and the emotional cost for supporters who hoped to celebrate a first victory of the season. The episode stood as a reminder that football results can hinge on human judgments just as much as on technical prowess, and that patience is part of the game when officials err.