The ongoing push to expand territory continues for Elche. Since securing the season’s first away win in Huesca (0-1, Nico Fernández Mercau scoring) on October 22, Beccacece’s squad has shown a stronger inclination to perform on the road. They have accumulated more victories away from home than at the Martínez Valero, with five wins overall and three at home. The group now eyes a test against Andorra, while there is a concerted effort to stay focused on footballing matters rather than market chatter. The moment of breakthrough during their victory at Tenerife remains a defining moment for the squad.
first victory
A clean win in Huesca on matchday 12 brought immense relief to the players and coaching staff. After more than two months into the campaign, the improvement in performance was clear, yet the team still faced the challenge of translating that form when traveling. Beccacece weighed his tactical approach, sometimes taking a gamble with a system not everyone understood, hoping it would yield results away from home.
Huesca-Elche Chronicle: Elche finds its way
JA Galvan
From that point, Elche demonstrated a growing belief that success on the road was within reach. The team has repeated this achievement four additional times to date. First came a trip to Barcelona on November 1, during the Copa del Rey first round, where they defeated Europa 0-2 with goals from Mourad and Mendoza. Next, a visit to Albacete produced a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Óscar Plano’s strike. This was on November 4, and on November 18 the road wins continued, beating Espanyol 2-0 with a brace from veteran striker Braithwaite.
Another league victory
The next challenge led them to Alcorcón, where Tete Morente and Óscar Plano put the score at 0-2 in a display of one of the squad’s most cohesive performances. December 3 arrived, and on December 11, Elche prevailed again in the Cup against Linares with a 1-3 victory, courtesy of Borja Garcés, Aleix Febas, and Sergio León. A December 15 trip to Oviedo started well but ended in a 3-2 defeat, with Óscar Plano and Nico Fernández Mercau on target for the visitors. Mendoza extended the winning run for Tenerife, marking a period of encouraging form for the Franjiverdes.
Solution
Elche has proven capable of scoring more goals away from home than at home. Opponents visiting Martínez Valero have adjusted their approach, sometimes taking greater risks and offering more space in front of the stands when on the road. Looking ahead, Sunday could present another opportunity for Beccacece and his players to build on this away-day momentum.