The match began with a costly miscue as Nico Fernández’s own goal opened the scoring for the visitors, followed by a harsh penalty converted by Sancet after a rash foul on Nico Williams. The sequence continued with a defensive lapse that left Nico Fernández exposed, and Pedro Bigas arrived late to cover, resulting in a third goal. A fourth arrived just before the half as Berenguer capitalized on a rebound to push the lead further for Athletic Club.
Francisco could only shake his head in disbelief. Elche CF had offered chances in the first half, a defensive showcase that Bilbao Athletic Club exploited with speed, precision, and vertical runs. A potential second goal was ruled offside after another miscue on the left flank, leaving the scoreline at a significant disadvantage for the hosts.
The opening 45 minutes showcased a chaotic scene for the home side, with the rojiblancos seizing control and executing a clinical finish at Martínez Valero. The crowd reacted with a chorus of whistles and shouts, mixed with calls for patience and clarity about the team’s future prospects for the season.
After the break, the Elche side showed renewed spirit, raising intensity and tempo. Yet Ponce managed to add some consolation for the hosts, a goal that provided a brief spark of relief amid the frustration and discontent.
The visiting coach had prepared several tactical adjustments from the outset. Five changes altered the lineup and approach, shifting players to new roles and introducing fresh legs on both flanks and in the middle of the park. On the defensive side, the aim was to tighten the center and disrupt Bilbao’s rhythm while Lucas Boyé remained the focal point up front, with Álex Collado providing width on the right.
Despite these efforts, the plan began to fracture early in the second half as defensive errors resurfaced. The scoreboard reflected a growing gap, and the home supporters found little to celebrate as the visitors extended the advantage beyond the midway point of the match.
As the game wore on, Francisco, sensing the need for a shake-up, made a telling substitution near the 37th minute mark, introducing Eze Ponce to inject more attacking threat. The halftime changes followed, with a reshuffled lineup including a youth squad member and returning players to replenish the squad’s energy and organization. Pere Milla swung into action on the left flank, while Collado found a new rhythm in the attacking phase.
Elche began to press higher, pushing the tempo and pressing the ball from their own third. Athletic Club remained resilient, guarding their lead with disciplined defense and quick counters that stung the home side on the break. Berenguer demanded attention by striking the crossbar, while Edgar Badia produced a brilliant stop to deny Muniain after a sharp rebound.
Nico Williams started the match on the opposite flank but gradually found space on the left, sparking a sequence that culminated in a fourth goal when the visitors capitalized on a counter and finished clinically. Despite a late push from Elche, there were no dramatic swings in the score as Bilbao’s defense held firm and controlled the proceedings with aggressiveness and composure.
As the final whistle approached, Elche pressed for a late revival, though opportunities stayed sparse. The game concluded with a lopsided score that told a story of defensive vulnerability for Elche and tactical efficiency from Athletic Club.
The post-match analysis highlighted a need for deeper reflection within Elche, emphasizing the importance of reducing chances conceded and strengthening the back line to avoid another heavy result. The team now looks toward the upcoming fixtures, mindful that any further defensive lapses could jeopardize their standing and the campaign’s overall trajectory. A quick reset is essential as they prepare for the next contest at a rival venue, a test that will demand focus, discipline, and a renewed sense of urgency.
DATA SHEET:
ELCHE: Edgar Badia; Lirola, Roco, Bigas, Nico Fernández; Gumbau, Domingos Quina, Mascarell, Collado, Pere Milla, Lucas Boyé.
BILBAO ATHLETIC CLUB: Unai Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Inigo Martínez, Lekue; Sancet, Dani García; Nico Williams, Muniain, Berenguer, Iñaki Williams.
JUDGE: Melero López. For Elche, Mascarell received a yellow card and Roco and Bigas were cautioned.
TARGETS: 0-1, 9 minutes, Nico Fernández, own goal. 0-2, 13 minutes, Sancet, from a penalty. 0-3, 22 minutes, Nico Williams. 0-4, 44 minutes, Berenguer. 1-4, 58 minutes, Ponce.
STADIUM: Martínez Valero, with a crowd of 24,176 in attendance.