This Elche group is ascending rapidly. The squad from Elche has set a clear course toward the dream of promotion to the First Division.
The Franjiverdes earned a fair victory over Burgos and secured their third win in four matches in the second phase, remaining undefeated. Beccacece’s side has now gone five straight matches without conceding, and Dituro continues to build outstanding statistics since arriving at Elche, with his goal never under threat.
This positive trajectory places Elche in a strong position for the season, briefly climbing to fourth place in a playoff spot and just a single point away from direct promotion places as the day’s results unfold.
Franjiverdes close in on Burgos for playoff bid
VL Deltell
The match reached its climax in extra time through penalties. After the referee whistled and the VAR review was completed, Nico Castro laid a pass for Mourad, making his debut as a striker. The moment was a lift for the crowd and the team alike.
It appears that B is gradually finding rhythm, adapting to winter transfers. Beccacece has settled on a familiar XI for the night, with Mourad entering as a substitute in two matches. Borja Garcés started in Andorra, and yesterday against Burgos, Manu opted for greater mobility with Nieto. The rest of the lineup remained unchanged.
Tactical shifts were evident. Nico Fernández spent more time on the right interior while the defense tightened. Mario Gaspar moved wide to the right, rather than occupying the center, and John stayed in his usual position, dropping deeper to receive the ball.
Jon Pérez Bolo outlined a plan focused on high pressing to disrupt Burgos, followed by quick counters led by Joni Montiel and Edu Espiau.
Elche dictated play from the opening whistle. The first real chance arrived as Burgos lost possession. Alex Febas pounced at the 3-quarter mark, but Edu Espiau’s attempts were blocked by Caro, who stood tall.
The Franjiverdes weathered the early pressure and produced two clear opportunities in quick succession. A heart-of-the-area cross found Manu Nieto, who controlled well and fired, only to be denied by Caro in a superb save.
Moments later, another center from Febas found Tete Morente, whose volley lacked precision and Nieto could not pounce on the rebound.
Despite sustained possession and pressure, Burgos’ defense held firm and Dituro faced several set-piece trials with no immediate rewards for his opponents.
The visitors finished the first half with their best phase, yet Beccacece’s team entered the break still locked in a scoreless draw.
The second half mirrored the start: Burgos sit deep, Elche press high, and the hosts created the first clear opening after the restart with Borja González testing the back line.
First breakthrough and turning point
The strategy paid off on a corner in the 59th minute. Nico Castro sent the ball into the heart of the area, Pedro Bigas arrived like a rocket and headed home the opener. Caro, Burgos’ standout, looked unsure in the moment.
Franjiverdes finished the match 1-0, yet there was still time for drama. Manu Nieto released the ball well, but Nico Castro’s final shot missed the target.
Beccacece made late substitutions, bringing in Rodrigo Mendoza for added width while Murad replaced Nieto up top.
The Spanish-Moroccan winger Mendoza quickly became a threat, showing pace and willingness to attack the flank. Murad used his pace to stretch Burgos and create half-chances from wide areas, while Caro remained active in the Burgos goal, rebuffing several attempts.
Mendoza was fouled in the box late, prompting a video review. The referee awarded the penalty and Mendoza’s teammate Nico Castro stepped up to lead the set piece. The shot found the net in emphatic fashion, marking Mendoza’s first goal of the season and a moment celebrated by his friends [citation].
That strike sealed the night’s result and amplified the growing excitement among the Elche supporters.
Elche has climbed into the positions they chase and is enjoying a peak moment this season, eyeing not only a playoff spot but also a potential direct promotion push.
DATA SHEET:
Elche: Dituro, Carreira, Mario Gaspar, Pedro Bigas, Carlos Clerc, John Chetauya, Aleix Febas, Nico Castro, Nico Fernández (Rodrigo Mendoza, m.68), Tete Morente and Manu Nieto (Mourad, m.68).
THE REAL BURGOS: Caro, Borja González (Arroyo, m.72), Córdoba, Grego Sierra, Matos, Atienza (Dani Ojeda, m.64), Elgezabal, Alex Garcia (Alex Bermejo, m.64), Appin (Fer Niño, m.72), Joni Montiel (Mumo, m.79) and Edu Espiau.
GOALS: 1-0 m.59, Pedro Bigas. 2-0 m.98, Murad, penalty.
JUDGE: Sanchez Lopez of the Murcian school. Yellow cards: Nico Fernández (m.17) and Aleix Febas (m.86).
STADIUM: Martínez Valero in front of 14,942 spectators.