In an exciting match held at the Martínez Valero stadium on March 22, 2025, Elche secured a 2-0 victory against Eldense during the 32nd round of LaLiga Hypermotion. The win was largely attributed to late goals from Aleix Febas and Francisco Jesús Crespo, commonly known as Pejiño.
The first half of the game was characterized by Elche's control over the ball but was notably lacking in clear goal-scoring opportunities. John's effort in the 23rd minute, which grazed the crossbar, was one of the few highlights, as the match reached halftime with a score of 0-0.
While Elche appeared to dominate possession, it was not until the 78th minute that the deadlock was broken. A spectacular individual effort from Aleix Febas allowed him to beat multiple defenders before slotting home the opener. This stunning goal no doubt lifted the spirits of the home crowd, which swelled to 20,431 attendees that day, including a notable turnout of around 2,000 Eldense supporters.
Just five minutes later, Pejiño capped the scoreline at 2-0 following a swift counterattack, showcasing the quick transition that has become a hallmark of Elche’s play style under manager Eder Sarabia. This goal marked a significant moment for Pejiño, who celebrated his first goal for Elche.
Despite Elche's solid performance, Eldense's defense, organized under coach José Luis Oltra, initially managed to stifle their attacking efforts with a strong defensive setup. The first clear chance they had to score occurred in the 38th minute, with a shot from Óscar Plano that was well saved by Eldense's goalkeeper, Dani Martín. As the match progressed, Eldense seemed to find their rhythm, making several forays into Elche's half, though they failed to convert any genuine threats into goals.
The intensity of the match increased markedly after Elche's opening goal. Eldense struggled to regain control of the game, compelled to expand their defensive lines, thus opening themselves up to Elche's counter-attacks. The combination of Elche's attacking vigor and Eldense's need to chase the game ultimately left the visitors vulnerable.
Referee Iosu Galech Apezteguía oversaw the match, handing out cautions to several players throughout the game, including Eder Sarabia, the Elche coach, who received a yellow card during the final phases. Alongside that, Eldense players Amadou Diawara and Víctor García were also cautioned for their conduct on the pitch.
Elche's victory not only marks their ninth consecutive win at home - a feat underlining their dominance at the Martínez Valero stadium - but it also positions them firmly in the chase for promotion in the league, now with 57 points accumulated. They look ahead to their next match against Burgos C.F. on March 29, with hopes of continuing this momentum.
In contrast, the defeat has left Eldense struggling, remaining in the relegation zone with only 35 points. The team will need to rally quickly, as they prepare to host Burgos C.F. in their upcoming encounter, a match critical for their survival in the league.
This match highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Elche and Eldense respectively. For Elche, the ability to create chances and convert them under pressure proved decisive, while Eldense's inability to maintain defensive solidity in the latter stages underscored key areas for improvement as they aim to escape relegation.
Overall, fans witnessed an exciting game full of tactical battles and individual brilliance, with Elche emerging as the clear winners, a clear reflection of their ambitions in the league.
