Machín: Elche took a shot at goal 25 and Valladolid
INFORMATION
The small green unit known as Elche is often blamed for its inconsistency, a recurring issue blamed for the season’s struggles. The data show a sharp drop compared to earlier campaigns when the team relied on a more aggressive attacking approach. In the past, the squad had relied on a stronger middle of the park and a more clinical finish, with Pere Milla standing out as a top performer in Europe for converting chances when the opportunities appeared scarce.
Elche’s struggles show a pattern of missed opportunities that have haunted the season. Efforts repeatedly fell short, and the team’s bite in front of goal did not match the amount of pressure created. The underlying issue seems to be not just finishing but also the quality and timing of the chances generated by the offensive unit.
Elche wake up late
JA Galvanized
This campaign has seen virtue slip away. The match against Valladolid became a stark reflection of a mistake that pushed the team toward the bottom of the table. The green-and-whites set a season record for both shots taken (24) and attempts on target (10) in a single match. Curiously, the previous record also did not yield a victory. Earlier in the season, Espanyol forced a similar result with 19 shots, not finding the back of the net before the final whistle.
The day with the most attempts
Nearly a quarter of a hundred shots against the opposition under this manager’s guidance did not just mark a year record. Since Elche returned to the top flight in 2020, there had never been so many goal attempts in a single match until last Saturday. Until then, the peak was 20 shots across five clubs in 2020/21 on matchday 37 against Cádiz. This game stood as one of two pivotal fixtures toward securing safety, including a clash against Athletic. In that Cádiz game, Elche breached the opponent’s defense three times to claim three crucial points that kept them in the elite.
The last season’s high-scoring game was the farewell against Getafe, with 19 shots and 9 on target. That match ended in a win with three goals scored when both teams were already anchored in their fates for the season.
Denied by goal
In the midst of overall frustration, Lucas Boyé, the reference striker for the franciverdes, delivered a solid personal showing. Despite a series of dangerous forays, the Argentine could not find the net after nine attempts. No player who had multiple shots on this course managed to convert.
During the 2022/23 season, Elche registered a total of 249 shots, with 79 finding the target. The conversion rate stood at 7.8%, far from what would be needed for safety. In previous campaigns, the rate was 11.7% in 2021/22 and 12.5% in 2020/21. There remains a sense of uncertainty for a squad that usually benefits from high volumes of shots from visiting opponents.
Elche now has 13 games left to finish the season in the league and avoid relegation. The clear improvement seen since the new manager took charge, visible through more frequent shots when the coach is on the bench, calls for a stronger finish. Pere Milla is expected to return after the FIFA break and could be a key weapon after a standout display against Villarreal, though more contributions from teammates are essential. The team needs to sharpen its attack and convert chances into points.