Elche CF and Real Valladolid opened the season as two of the strongest promoted clubs, expected to push for a return to the First Division after recent relegations. The reality on the pitch, however, did not mirror the early optimism, and doubts began to creep in among fans.
Both clubs faced a shaky start. The Franjiverdes managed only four points from four matches, with three of those fixtures played at Martínez Valero. It was a sparse return for a squad sitting near the top of the table, underscoring how difficult the new campaign would be.
Valladolid, known as the Blanquivioletas, found themselves in a tougher position. They won the season opener against Sporting de Gijón (2-0) but then endured three straight defeats against Zaragoza (1-0), Alcorcón (0-2), and Albacete (2-0) without scoring a goal. The setback sparked questions among the Pucela faithful, and attention turned to leadership and strategy ahead of the next match.
Even at this early stage, the pressure around both teams intensified. The outcome of the upcoming clash would be pivotal. The intensity around Beccacece in Elche and Pezzolano in Valladolid reflected a fight to stabilize the club narratives and avert a developing crisis. Three points could redefine confidence levels for the season ahead.
There remains considerable room for improvement in Elche, as the team’s style deserved more reward than the early four points suggested. A goal drought and defensive gaps punished the squad, sometimes harshly, during the opening quartet of games.
The fixture between Elche and Valladolid carries additional weight in terms of stakes and pressure. Sergio León returns to Pucela, a place where he spent part of his career, while Óscar Plano also makes his way back to José Zorrilla, a familiar venue from seasons past and a site connected to promotion battles.
Sergio León and Óscar Plano make Valladolid-Elche sick
VL Deltell
The Córdoba-born forward could be the key spark for Elche, having entered the fold late in the previous campaign and now entering a week of training with new teammates. The squad also welcomed new arrivals during the summer, and several players who were limited in the last match were set to push for more involvement as the season progressed.
Beccacece was in the process of managing returns from injury, including Cristian Salvador and Álex Martín, with Borja Garcés and Sergio Carreira also resuming training and expected to contend for minutes. These players, along with Sergio León, were likely to fight for more prominent roles as the squad begins to settle into a regular rotation.
Elche goes to Valladolid with 21 players
The Argentinian coach faced the challenge of organizing a more solid defensive unit. Carlos Clerc had to be assessed following an earlier dismissal, and John Chetauya remained unavailable due to the recovery from fibula surgery. The question of who would step into Clerc’s role dominated conversations around the defense. Diego González emerged as a likely alternative, though fitness concerns for players from Cádiz added complexity. Alex Martín could be another option, offering a potential back three alongside Mario Gaspar and Pedro Bigas. Salinas had even operated as a center-back in pre-season trials.
The defensive midfielder position also needed resolution, with Cristian Salvador stepping in due to injuries and Zamorano facing fitness issues. Raul Guti did not convince in prior appearances, while Áleix Febas showed quality in creating and distributing play, even as his duties skewed more offensive.
Beccacece must restructure Elche’s defense
J.A. Galvan
White-purple unknowns
Uncertainties remained about Valladolid’s starting XI as well. If Bezzolano chooses to field Masip again, the Uruguayan coach would need to decide whether to lean on the youth ranks once more. The tactical question also involved whether Quintana would be deployed in central defense or whether Javi Sánchez, Boyomo, or David Torres could slot into the backline when the match demands it.
In midfield, Monchu and De la Hoz were likely to feature, but there was an understanding that some players needed minutes to adapt. Juric, Meseguer, or Joni Montiel could be introduced gradually, gradually expanding the squad’s options as the season unfolds.
Looking at the attacking plan, the idea was to bring in Marcos André as a focal point rather than relying solely on Iván Sánchez or Kenedy to craft the offensive rhythm, a decision aligned with recent match plans and the team’s evolving identity on the field.
Strategic shifts ahead for Valladolid and Elche
J. Martínez
Both teams faced a moment of truth as the season began to unfold. The choice of formations, the balance of defense and attack, and the capacity to convert opportunities would define whether they could move away from the early-season nerves and march toward the competitive goals they have set for themselves this year. The responses seen in the coming fixtures would reveal how quickly these clubs could translate potential into results. [citation: team reports and coaching remarks compiled from recent press interactions]