Comeback and agonizing finish at Martínez Valero! Match report Elche 2-1 Mallorca

DAVID DíAZ
Fantasy LaLiga expert
1 HOUR AGO / 2 min read

After a very evenly matched game, Eder Sarabia's team achieved the comeback at Martínez Valero in the second half and, in this way, they move out of the relegation zone.

Comeback and agonizing finish at Martínez Valero! Match report Elche 2-1 Mallorca

FIRST HALF

The Illicean side had a slight initiative during the first minutes, trying to set the pace and driven by their fans. The first dangerous play of the match arrived after a good action down the wing, winger Germán Valera delivered a real 'gift' with his left foot to his teammate Álvaro, and the Uruguayan forward managed to shoot, although with his weaker foot, sending the ball very close to the goal defended by Leo Román.

Mallorca, well-organized in defense and comfortable waiting for their moment, also responded with danger. After a great individual play by Antonio Sánchez, who on this occasion acted as fullback, the ball ended up at Muriqis feet. The forward deceived Dituro with a shot to the near post, but the ball went just past the post, in what was the clearest chance for the visitors.

Beyond these actions, the match stayed tight, with few clear chances and many interruptions. Elche had more presence in the opponents half, but lacked precision in the final meters, while Mallorca relied on quick transitions with little success.

SECOND HALF

The second half began at a lower pace and with few clear chances, but in the 54th minute the team led by Martín Demichelis had a great opportunity to open the scoring. Portuguese midfielder Samú Costa managed to enter the opponents area and finish the play, although his shot, poorly aimed, was cleared without too much difficulty by Matías Dituro.

However, on the very next play, Mallorca found the reward. Winger Luvumbo beat the Elche defender and provided a precise assist to Pablo Torre, who, with a soft but very well-placed shot, beat Dituro to put 0-1 on the scoreboard.

Elches reaction was quick to arrive. Minutes later, after a poor clearance from Omar Mascarell, forward Rafa Mir intercepted the ball and finished with his left foot to the far post of Leo Román, equalizing just four minutes after the visitor's goal.

The emotional boost allowed Elche to turn the match around in the 71st minute. After a brilliant backheel from Febas to Germán Valera, the winger sent a precise cross into the area that found the head of Tete Morente, who completed the comeback with a great finish to set the score at 2-1.

When it seemed the match was decided, in the 90th minute the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Mallorca for a handball by Pedro Bigas inside the box. The one in charge of taking it was Muriqi, but his weakly placed shot did not find the goal, allowing Elche to avoid the equalizer and secure the victory.

GOALS

(0-1): Pablo Torre (min. 58')

(1-1): Rafa Mir (min. 62')

(2-1): Tete Morente (min. 71')

TECHNICAL SHEET

Competition: La Liga EA Sports - (Matchday 29)

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Stadium: Martínez Valero

Referee: Alberola Rojas

LINEUPS

Elche CF: (3-5-2)

Goalkeeper: Dituro

Defenders: Chust, David Affrengruber, and Bigas

Midfielders: Febas, Marc Aguado (for Redondo at 79'), Tete Morente, Diangana (for Gonzalo Villar at 64'), and Germán Valera (for Pedrosa at 90'+5')

Forwards: Álvaro Rodríguez (for Petrot at 90'+5') and Rafa Mir (for Sangaré at 79')

Coach: Eder Sarabia