The Martínez Valero Stadium hosted a match of few clear chances that ended in a goalless stalemate between Elche CF and Celta Vigo. The LaLiga EA Sports eighth-round fixture finished 0-0, leaving both sides with a point added to their tally.
The Franjiverdes clearly dominated possession, holding the ball 66% of the time, and created a higher volume of opportunities with 13 total shots. However, Celta's defensive solidity, which saw them commit 19 fouls and make 12 tackles, prevented that control from turning into a goal. Elche goalkeeper Andrei Radu had to be alert in the dying moments to stop a powerful visiting effort that sought all three points.
Substitutions and chances
Manager Sebastián Beccacece made several changes from the bench looking to break the deadlock. In the 59th minute, José Salomón came on for Tete Morente to add fresh attacking impetus. Later, with twenty minutes to go, he introduced Rodrigo Cepeda and Martim Neto for Fer Niño and Gonzalo Villar respectively. The final switch saw Facundo Buonanotte replace Thomas Lemar. Despite late pressure, including a Cepeda shot pushed away by the keeper and a Marc Aguado header that sailed over, the goal never materialised.
Referee Javier Alberola Rojas showed four yellow cards, one of them to Elche's Javi Rueda. The match, which had two minutes of added time, concluded with a final foul by Aguado on Ilaix Moriba. This result places Elche CF tenth in the standings with 10 points, extending their unbeaten league run to three matches. The team's next fixture is on Sunday against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín.
The club confirmed the match against Celta was played in front of 25,470 spectators at the Martínez Valero. Goalkeeper Matías Dituro was key to preserving the draw. The team, sitting 18th with 6 points, now turns its focus to its next fixture against Villarreal.
