Martín Anselmi celebrated Elche CF's first LaLiga win of the season following a 1-3 victory at RCD Espanyol's RCDE Stadium. The result in the seventh matchday lifts the team off the bottom of the table, moving them up to 18th place with 5 points.
The team showed resilience from the start, overcoming the sending-off of Fede Redondo in the 23rd minute for two yellow cards. Fernando Niño Rodríguez was the offensive hero with a first-half brace in the 26th and 29th minutes, both assisted by Roy Revivo. Although Espanyol pulled one back through a Víctor Chust own goal in the 58th minute, Germán Valera sealed the points in the 78th minute from a Tete Morente pass. "The first LaLiga win couldn't have come in any other way than the Elche way," said Anselmi after the match.
The Argentine coach emphasised teamwork as the key to success. "I'm proud of everyone. Without Roy's cross, Fer doesn't score; football is a collective sport even if someone stands out." he explained. Anselmi also acknowledged the team's gradual improvement, something that was already noticeable in previous games at San Mamés and against Real Madrid.
The manager highlighted the importance of the win for the group's confidence. "It's another step in the team's growth. We knew the win would come because the work was there." added Anselmi in the press conference.
Beyond the three points, the victory provides a huge morale boost for a squad that had taken only two points from the first six matchdays. With 11 goals scored and 17 conceded, the team must continue to improve defensively. The next fixture is against Celta Vigo at the Martínez Valero on October 11th, an opponent currently sitting 14th. Fer Niño, with 5 goals, stays as the top scorer this season.
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