Huesca-Elche preview: In search of the forbidden fruit
Elche CF finally broke the spell with a season’s first away win. The visitors were efficient in their debut, showing the discipline to weather difficult moments and protect Nico Fernández’s goal. Moments later, order and tactical clarity returned. Three precious points, bringing the tally to seven from the last three matches, fuel the hope of climbing the table and approaching the top teams.
The pressure had to be relieved at home, and that breakthrough has now happened. The win should bring peace of mind and, most importantly, a boost of confidence within the locker room.
Beccacece adjusted the starting lineup, making three changes from the derby against Eldense. Borja Garcés moved into a central attacking role for the injured Sergio León. Nico Castro retained his position as a reference in midfield, while a precaution kept Fidel’s mobility limited and Josan occupied the right flank over Tete Morente.
Elche demonstrated high pressing and ball control. Within five minutes, after a risky clearance, Febas took charge and delivered a precise pass to Borja Garcés through the middle. The ball found the foot of Oscar Plano who built the move, Borja Garcés finishing the sequence with a composed finish past the keeper. Nico Fernández guilted the assist with a clinical finish from the left wing, concluding a textbook counterattack that Franjiverdes have sharpened in training.
From there, Elche picked up control. The goal landed like a hammer blow to Huesca, who faced whistles from their own crowd as the visitors pushed for a second and pinned the home side back in their own half.
Starting from the 25th minute, the locals shifted from pressure to insistence. They pressed higher, inviting Elche to reclaim possession in advanced zones, and tried to turn control into chances. Beccacece’s team defended with discipline and unity even when a few passes slipped during an intent to play out from the back. Huesca pursued chances through strategic build-ups and crosses aimed at Kanté and Obeng, with Obeng almost capitalizing on a turnover near Lautaro’s area; his shot struck the post and stayed out.
Franjiverde defenders held firm in the air and in tight duels, keeping Elche ahead as the first half closed. Garcés tested the goalkeeper with a long-range shot, while Juanjo Nieto produced a shot over the bar in added minutes. At halftime, Elche carried a narrow lead that reflected a stubborn defensive effort and efficient finishing.
In the second half, Huesca intensified their pressure early on, with Kanté nearly slipping a goal past the defense. Mario Gaspar was vigilant, clearing danger and maintaining the balance of play. Elche gradually recovered the ball and created chances again, with Nico Castro nearly finishing a sharp sequence from his side. A corner set-piece from Nico Fernández found its target and Borja Garcés narrowly failed to convert a follow-up effort.
At the 72nd minute, a late penalty decision drew attention after Mourad and teammates entered from the bench. The VAR review overturned the on-field call, keeping the score intact and preserving Elche’s advantage. The closing stages brought swings of emotion, with both teams pushing for a decisive moment. Javi Mier headed a late chance toward the corner, while Raúl Guti doubled the lead in the 91st minute after Mourad’s pass, with Álvaro Fernández making a spectacular one-handed save to deny the hosts a quick reply.
The seven minutes of added time tested both sides as Bolivar volleyed close to the post and Sielva’s long free kick forced a clearance by San Román. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought victory for Elche, a result that reflected a more vertical, compact approach and the benefit of taking the first opportunity to lead.
The performance underscored the footballing style Beccacece is cultivating in this team, one that blends solid defense with swift counterattacks and disciplined positional play. The win was not just three points; it signaled a potential turning point for Elche, a sign that the team could maintain momentum and reduce the gap to the league leaders. Up next, a challenging test against Tenerife looms, a team expected to contend for top spots this season.
DATA SHEET:
– Álvaro Fernández; Loureiro, Nieto, Tresaco, Loureiro, Rubén Pulido, Martos, Vilarrasa, Sielva, Hashimoto, Javi Martínez, Kanté, Obeng.
Elche: San Román; Mario Gaspar, Bigas, Clerc, Blanco; Josan, Febas, Nico Castro, Nico Fernández, Oscar Plano, Borja Garcés.
AIM: 0-1, min. 5 Nico Fernández.
REFEREE: Galech Apezteguia. Yellow cards: Lautaro Blanco, Hashimoto, Nico Castro, Pulido, Bigas, Sielva. Stadium: El Alcoraz, in front of 5,363 spectators.