Peter Milla and the social figure Jorge Almiron sought to project a calm, constructive message after a match where Elche CF felt they were on the wrong end of officiating. The season has seen a series of refereeing decisions that Elche fans argue have harmed their results.
At Mestalla, the officials ruled a 2-3 result against Valencia was invalidated, preventing a win for the visitors who had already put goals on the board. The contest swung on a controversial moment when Pere Milla converted a penalty early, and Nico Fernandez Mercau later found the net only for the goal to be disallowed. This sequence left many watching to question the alignment of the decision with the flow of play. Valencia observers noted that the advantage rule seemed to favor Elche, and VAR did not intervene as the whistle blew just after the decisive phase.
To some, the verdict felt fair in parts. Valencia created more in the first half while Elche grew into the match after the break. In the opening quarter of the game, Elche appeared unsettled, chasing the ball as Valencia pressed high and controlled the tempo for stretches. The home side pressed with intensity during the early minutes while the away side struggled to settle and connect on meaningful plays.
Fortune briefly smiled on Elche when their first foray into Valencia’s goal required a save from Mamardashvili after a rough moment in defense. Franjiverdes earned a chance from the spot after a foul called on the hosts, with Pere Milla converting confidently to give his side hope and a minority of fans in Mestalla celebrating the breakthrough. Despite this, the balance remained delicate for Elche as the match progressed.
The Argentine coach Almiron made tactical adjustments at halftime, reshaping the lineup to add solidity and speed in attack. Changes included restructuring the back line and injecting pace on the flanks. With the fresh setup, Elche found more space between the lines and began to control possession higher up the pitch. Pere Milla and Ponce linked play effectively, and the visitors began to threaten with greater frequency as the half wore on. Valencia meanwhile shifted to adapt, and the contest opened up with both sides pushing forward in search of a decisive goal.
In the second period, Elche’s improved organization paid off. A cross from the left found Pere Milla at the far post, and his connection helped the visitors restore parity. Shortly after, a contentious moment emerged when Nico Fernandez’s hopeful effort found the net, only for the flag and celebration to be halted by the referee’s ruling. The decision left players and bench units stunned, with supporters reacting with mixed emotions as the stadium hummed with tension.
As the game entered its final phase, Valencia pressed with renewed urgency while Elche maintained discipline at the back. The match became a test of resilience and timing, with late chances falling to both sides as fatigue started to influence the quality of final passes. In the closing minutes, Valencia pushed forward but found Elche’s defense stubborn and well-organized, forcing a draw that reflected a contest balanced in chances and contested decisions.
Almiron’s team showed that the late shifts had delivered a more cohesive performance, especially in the second half. The tactical tweaks yielded better positioning and more effective transitions through the middle, offering encouragement for the club and its supporters. The draw provided a point that could bolster confidence for the squad as the season progresses, particularly under a new coaching approach.
Valencia lined up with Mamardashvili in goal, a back four including Comert and Gayá, with Nico Gonzalez, Musah, Almeida, and Cavani among the notable names attempting to steer the attack. Elche presented Edgar Badía in goal, with a defensive unit featuring Helibelton Palacios and Roco, and a midfield that supported Pere Milla and Álex Collado as the primary creative force. The match finished with a sense that both teams had more to offer, but the balance of play and the execution at key moments shaped the final result and the mood surrounding the game.
Stadium attendance reached a notable figure, underscoring the importance of the fixture for fans in Valencia and the broader region. Officials awarded several cautions across both sides as the match unfolded, highlighting the intensity and the high stakes involved in every decision and challenge throughout the 90 minutes. The final scoreline may not tell the full story of the action on the pitch, where each team demonstrated competing philosophies and the ongoing evolution of both squads under their current leadership.
VALENCIA: Marmardashvili, Gabriel Paulista, Comert, Gayá, Nico González, Musah, Almeida, Kluivert, Lino, Cavani, and Hugo Duro. ELCH: Edgar Badia, Josan, Helibelton Palacios, Roco, Pedro Bigas, Clerc, Mascarell, Raúl Guti, Álex Collado, Tete Morente, Pere Milla, and Quina.
TARGETS: 0-1 at 1:28, Pere Milla from a penalty. 1-1 at 40, Cavani from the spot. 2-1 at 45+6, Cavani. 2-2 at 64, Pere Milla.
JUDGE: Pulido Santana from the Canary islands showed cautions to Marmardashvili, Helibelton Palacios, Comert, Josan, Nico Fernández, Almirón, Musah, Pere Milla, Edgar Badia and Tete Morente.
STADIUM: Mestalla, with a crowd of 41,505 in attendance.