Elche CF goalkeeper Matías Dituro has stressed the urgent need for a win to lift the team out of the relegation zone. The 39-year-old shot-stopper explained that the side, sitting 18th in La Liga with 7 points from nine games, must capitalise on their positive run of five points from the last three matches.

Martín Anselmi's team travels to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday after keeping two consecutive clean sheets, including a valuable goalless draw at Villarreal. Dituro acknowledged that refereeing went against them in that match, where the RFEF's review programme admitted a penalty should have been awarded in their favour, an incident that left "a bitter feeling". However, the veteran keeper insists the squad's mentality has been strengthened after such difficult moments.

Competition with Iturbe

Dituro also spoke about the healthy competition with his teammate Alejandro Iturbe. "It's positive and benefits the team," said the goalkeeper, who detailed their daily routines of swapping jerseys and drinking mate. He assured that Iturbe will be ready when called upon and that his presence raises both players' levels.

Anselmi's work

The keeper praised the work of coach Martín Anselmi, describing it as "spectacular" in preparing the team for different match situations. Dituro sees similarities in the playing idea with that of Eder Sarabia and highlights the growing cohesion within the group.

At 39, the Argentine goalkeeper dismisses any thoughts of retirement. "In the short term I see myself playing because I really enjoy what I do," he stated. While he admits to feeling more pain after matches and training, he claims to have the same energy as a decade ago. His immediate goal is clear: to help the team achieve positive results and climb out of the bottom three.

The next challenge is against Rayo Vallecano, a side that beat them 1-0 in the last meeting in April. The Madrid-based team currently sits 13th. Dituro warned they are an intense side, strong through the centre and on the wings, and very dangerous on the counter-attack. "We must maintain concentration for the full 90 minutes," he stated. Elche, with striker Fer Niño as their top scorer with five goals, seeks the victory in Vallecas that could see them move up the standings. The match is on Saturday 24 October.

More detail at elchecf.es