This Elche is praiseworthy because the player never eases off, she leaves everything on the field, and fights until fatigue finally wins. In the current state of the Elche squad, staying afloat remains a hard task, with relegation fears looming and the team hovering near the edge of the Second Division.
Yet in the same frame of mind, aware that every detail this season has turned against them, the team knows that without peak focus, intensity, and passion on match day, the price is paid.
That is what unfolded for Franjiverdes against Valladolid yesterday. The game kept them in a sleepy rhythm during siesta time, and they slipped to a 0-1 deficit four minutes later when they could have reacted. It dragged the squad back into trouble, forcing them to swim against the current and endure renewed tension that produced passes and shots missing their mark.
Then, largely, the awakening came in the second half. Elche controlled long stretches, created numerous chances, and looked close to securing the win. Still, Tete Morente’s stoppage-time strike in the 95th minute earned only a point and kept the struggle for permanence painfully unresolved.
Pacheta’s Valladolid, returning to Martínez Valero with the crowd on its side, controlled most of the game. They endured the minutes that stretched out, pressed to seal the result, and ultimately paid the price as the home team fought back. If justice had been served, Pucela would have left empty handed.
Pacheta takes a crowd bath at Elche and finally gets angry
JA Galvanized
Elche started with a hint of indifference, and an early strike from a former Franjiverde came in the 4th minute. Lucas Olaza delivered a cross that looked almost accidental, but Canadian Cyle Larin touched it on, Magallán could not redirect, and the ball slipped into the bottom corner beyond Edgar Badia’s reach.
The visitors were stunned as Franjiverdes reacted slowly. They fought to regain rhythm, but the play fell short and errors mounted, causing confusion on the field.
Even as Mascarell and Lucas Boyé pushed on, the team looked to Carmona and Helibelton on the right side. The Argentine had two solid efforts that just missed the target. Canary tried a free kick and kept testing the defense with a familiar pattern seen this season.
As the first half wore on, Larin found a moment in front of Badia but could not convert cleanly. Valladolid held their structure, leaving Elche with the task of breaking through their compact line.
A patient Elche pressed again after halftime, moving the ball with greater purpose and creating chances from the flanks. The night felt long for Valladolid as the clock wore down and the crowd did not stop pushing their team forward.
The visitors continued to control the ball, avoiding clear opportunities and waiting for the moment to strike. After Morente’s chance in the 68th minute, there were three blocks that kept the scoreline intact and frustrated the home side.
It seemed Valladolid would take the win with minimal drama, punishing Elche for a tenth time this season. The visitors slowed the tempo with fouls, focusing on time management, yet a late counterattack kept Elche hopeful. In a critical moment, a key rival pulled a muscle at the edge of the area and could not continue.
One more substitution was made as the crowd roared. The match stretched into nine injury minutes, and Elche pressed hard for at least a draw.
In the 95th minute, Nico collided with Tete Morente in the penalty area, and the Cádiz midfielder calmly converted the equalizer.
Martínez Valero erupted with cheers and chants of belief. The dream of a comeback felt within reach. Valladolid tightened up, Roque Mesa earned two yellow cards in a four-minute span, and Hongla joined the celebrations in a tense moment.
Guti twice and Boyé once more secured what could have been a fair victory if not for the late strike and the stubborn defense of the home side.
Elche pressed relentlessly on the opponent’s field, but the winner did not arrive. A draw felt like a small reward for the effort, and the fans stood up to applaud the players for their perseverance.
Yet the challenge remains immense. Still, as players often remind themselves, where there is life there is hope. Even in hardship, the commitment and fighting spirit of this squad remain evident.