Elche falters and pays the price against Albacete (2-2)

Everything seemed set for a peaceful afternoon at the Martínez Valero, with the fans ready to celebrate promotion to the First Division. However, everything changed before the break, the match became complicated and there was no solution.

Elche could only manage a 2-2 draw against Albacete, ending their run of ten consecutive home victories.

Nico Fernández, with a left-footed shot from outside the box, and Josean Fernández, showing great opportunism inside the area, put the eleventh consecutive home victory within reach.

But Albacete was not content to be mere spectators at the Elche celebration. Not even the pressure from 25,000 spectators could stop the Manchego team's reaction before the break.

In less than ten minutes, the visiting team levelled the match. First, a one-on-one by Javier Rueda, followed by a great play by Cameroonian Kofane inside the area, made it 2-2 before halftime.

In the second half, Elche dominated the game but repeatedly crashed against the Albacete defence and the crossbar, which denied Nico Castro a clear chance in the 90th minute.

In the end, Albacete also had a clear chance to take the victory, but the shot from inside the area went wide to the left of the goal defended by Argentine Dituro.

Elche's winning streak has been halted, but they remain in a strong position heading into the final six rounds of the competition.

Sarabia's team will face Granada next Saturday at 18:30 at Los Cármenes, a team fighting for a promotion play-off spot and coached by former Elche manager Fran Escribá.