you still have faith
Elche’s third most minutes-consuming striker this season has played 911 minutes, trailing behind teammates who logged more time like Boyé and Milla, yet he leads in the number of matches in which he has influenced play. The current starting offensive setup features Ezequiel Ponce alongside a compatriot, while injuries to Milla and Nteka have disrupted the attacking options.
So far this campaign he has scored three goals, and the club hopes for more from his boot. His transfer clause stood at five million euros, but the club paid close to ten million to secure his signature last summer. The move was part of a wider plan to push Elche into the upper half of the table, though the club has not publicly disclosed the exact figure. This season has demanded a different approach and resilience as the team confronted a new set of obstacles. The aim remains a fresh start with victories at Mallorca as a cornerstone for turning the page.
On a personal level, he was asked if he has met his performance expectations. He answered that improvement is always possible. He has been playing back-to-back matches and strives to show his best in every game and every training session. He believes it is not about expressing a plan, but about executing it with consistency and quality day after day.
you still have faith
There is a clear gap of 15 points between two clubs, and the squad acknowledges the work ahead. In the locker room, a determination to secure permanent status remains strong, and the commitment is to fight for safety until the final whistle. The mindset is to rise each morning with the intent to win in Mallorca and in every remaining match. Ponce remains optimistic and says the belief is shared across the club that salvation is possible. He recognizes tomorrow is unpredictable, and what the club decides about his future is outside his control. Yet the belief endures that victory is within reach under the current conditions. When results are unclear, the team discusses the reasons behind performances, always aiming to improve and avoid a repeat of recent defeats. The focus is on progress with teammates and coaches as the season unfolds.
Ponce refuses to give up. He states that every match can serve as a new beginning and every day of training prepares the team for the next challenge. Persistence, he notes, would be a success. The club will continue to fight to make history and remain in the top league, a goal held dear by the supporters and the community alike.
referees
Regarding the late game decisions, Ponce said the team felt a sting after a strong finish that could have sealed a win in the first half. He noted that a sending off had altered the dynamics and that the club is in dialogue with match officials to prevent a repetition. Players cannot change decisions on the field, but they hope that future rulings can be enhanced by technology while remaining focused on earning three points each weekend. The pain stems from key moments that could have swung the result, and the group remains committed to progressing on that path.
Cadiz goal
Ponce commented on Cadiz’s stance regarding the league’s direction, stressing that referees make many pivotal calls and that the team has limited influence over those outcomes. He emphasized a readiness to help the referees improve their decision-making so that future judgments align with fair play and the spirit of the game. For him, the priority is to support a fair process that benefits football as a whole.
Cadiz requests temporary suspension of LaLiga due to Elche case
Efe
Sheikh Sanction
He described seeing Pape hurt after the match and expressed that there was a misunderstanding about what was said to the officials. He noted that others may interpret actions differently and that measures are in place to ensure everyone acts within the rules. The focus remains on abiding by safety protocols and continuing to play with discipline and respect for the process.