The League
2:15 p.mApril 11, 2026
Regular season – 31
Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium
Referee: Francisco Hernández Maeso, Spain
Elx
Valencia
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.57
Expected Goals (xG)
2.33
Passing by
372 (85%)
Accurate passes
257 (85%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Matías Dituro (C)
7.9
21
d
Leo Petrot
7.2
22
d
David Affengruber
7.5
d
Buba Sangare
59′ Holding
11
M
Germán Valera
6.9
12
M
Gonzalo Villar
7.2
M
Alex Febas
73′
15
M
Die Tete
6.9
16
F
Martin Neto
6.9
9
F
André Silva
6.5
10
F
Rafa Mir
6.9
1
G
He stole Dimitrievski
7.0
14
d
José Luis Gayà (C)
6.7
24
d
It was commercial
6.2
5
d
César Tàrrega
6.9
12
d
Thierry Correia
6.2
17
M
Ramadan holidays
6.9
23
M
Filip Ugrinić
6.6
M
Guido Rodríguez
63′ missing
11
M
Luis Rioja
8.3
6
F
Umar Sadiq
6.3
15
F
Lucas Beltran
6.3
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Elche secured a crucial 1-0 win over Valencia, with Lucas Cepeda’s late goal proving the difference in a hard-fought La Liga game.
Elche defied the odds at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, grabbing a vital 1-0 win against Valencia. Substitute Lucas Cepeda emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 73rd minute. This crucial result provided a significant boost to Elche’s survival hopes.
Going into the match, Elche sat precariously in 18th position, fighting for relegation. Valencia, 14th, wanted to move further away from the relegation zone. Both teams were desperate for crucial points in this tense La Liga encounter.
Valencia started strongly, pressing high and creating early chances. Luis Rioja was particularly influential, making dangerous runs down the wing. Elche’s defense held firm, absorbing waves of pressure from the visitors.
Goalkeeper Matías Dituro made several important saves, denying Valencia on multiple occasions. He kept the score level with a dominant performance between the sticks. Despite Valencia’s dominance in possession and shots, Elche managed to frustrate the rival. The first half ended goalless, a sign of Elche’s resilience.
The half-time whistle gave both teams a chance to regroup. Valencia needed to find a more clinical advantage in front of goal. Elche, on the other hand, was looking to generate more offensive thrust and relieve the defensive pressure.
In the second half, Valencia continued their offensive intent. They moved forward without stopping, trying to break the deadlock. However, Elche remained resolute at the back, defending with discipline.
The referee issued two yellow cards in quick succession. In the 59th minute, Elche’s Buba Sangare has been booked for a wrong challenge. Valencian G. Rodríguez followed him into the book just four minutes later for a similar foul.
Against the run of play, Elche broke the scoreboard in the 73rd minute. Aleix Febas made a precise pass in the area. Substitute Lucas Cepeda reacted quickly and slotted home from close range to thrill the home crowd.
Valencia threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. They intensified their attacks in the final phase. Matías Dituro was once again pivotal, making key saves to preserve Elche’s slender advantage.
Valencia recorded a staggering total of 22 shots, with 8 on target, generating an expected goal (xG) of 2.33. Elx, despite only 8 shots and 2 on target, has turned its xG of 0.57 into a crucial goal. Elche had 58% possession, but the volume of Valencia’s attack was clear. Dituro’s 7 saves proved the difference.
This unexpected victory significantly lifts Elche’s spirits in their fight for league survival. For Valencia, it is a frustrating result, which highlights their struggle to convert numerous chances into goals.
What follows: Elche will aim to take advantage of this momentum in their next game, while Valencia will need to regroup quickly to solve their late problems.
