Elche secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Valencia at their home ground, Martínez Valero, in a crucial match of the Liga on this matchday 31. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Lucas Cepeda found the net, propelling the home side to victory.
A well-placed cross from Aleix Febas set up Cepeda, who struck the ball back to the net, sealing the win for Elche.
Despite dominating possession and shots on goal, Valencia struggled to convert their chances, registering 20 attempts with 14 on target but failing to score.
Lucas Cepeda’s performance was nothing short of stellar, contributing significantly with the lone goal of the match. Meanwhile, Elche’s goalkeeper, Matías Dituro, was crucial, making 7 saves and completing 24 successful passes throughout the game.
Elche’s head coach, Eder Sarabia, employed a 4-4-2 formation featuring Dituro in goal; a defensive line of Aboubacar Sangaré, David Affengruber, Léo Pétrot, and Germán Valera; while Teté Morente, Gonzalo Villar, Aleix Febas, and Martim Neto controlled the midfield; and Rafael Mir alongside André Silva led the attack.
On the other hand, Valencia, managed by Carlos Corberán, also fielded a 4-4-2 lineup with Stole Dimitrievski as goalkeeper; Thierry Correia, César Tárrega, Eray Cömert, and José Luis Gayà in defense; Luis Rioja, Guido Rodríguez, Filip Ugrinic, and Largie Ramazani in midfield; and Lucas Beltrán and Umar Sadiq upfront.
The match was overseen by referee Francisco Hernández Maeso, who kept the game in check.
Looking ahead, Elche will face Atlético de Madrid in their next home match, while Valencia will travel to Mallorca. Following the match, Elche sits in sixteenth place in the standings with 32 points, whereas Valencia rests in fourteenth with 35 points.
Substitutions for Elche
63’ – André Silva was replaced by Alvaro Rodriguez, and Aboubacar Sangaré was substituted for John Donald.
72’ – Lucas Cepeda made way for Gonzalo Villar, and Martim Neto was substituted by Adriá Pedrosa.
81’ – Germán Valera left the pitch for Víctor Chust.
Yellow Card for Elche:
13’ – Aboubacar Sangaré received a yellow card for holding an opponent to impede their advancement.
Substitutions for Valencia
60’ – Luis Rioja was substituted by Diego López, and Umar Sadiq was replaced by Hugo Duro.
74’ – Eray Cömert made way for Pepelu, and José Luis Gayà was substituted for Jesús Vázquez.
80’ – Lucas Beltrán was replaced by Arnaut Danjuma.
Yellow Card for Valencia:
17’ – Guido Rodríguez received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.