Elche welcomed Real Valladolid to the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero looking to record their first three points of the season.
Both sides had opportunities in an eventful first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
It was a similar story in the second half, with the two Spanish rivals made to settle for a share of the spoils despite chances for each.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action.
Evening all! The first of our back-to-back live commentaries from La Liga comes from Elche as the newly-promoted side welcome Real Valladolid. Two points from their first three games has left Elche in the drop zone, but they are unbeaten in their last two. Valladolid, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Getafe.
As mentioned, the last time these two sides met was in the Segunda Division in June 2011, when Elche picked up all the points in a 3-1 win. However, Valladolid have won two of the last three meetings – both on their own patch. This is certainly the type of match that both managers will feel that they need to win.
Elche’s season began in disappointment as they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano on the opening weekend of the season. However, they recovered to secure a very respectable 1-1 draw at home to Real Sociedad. They then travelled to Almeria before the international break and took a point from a 2-2 draw with their fellow newly-promoted outfit.
They earned the right to play La Liga football this season after storming to the Segunda Division title in the previous campaign. They won 23 of their 42 matches, securing 82 points in the process, a total which left them five points clear of nearest challenges Villarreal. One thing is for certain, it is sure to be a tough season in their first top-flight campaign since 1988.
They have found the net on three times this season – far from disastrous – but you have to worry about the lack of goals in their side. They scored just 54 times in their 42 league games last season, which was 14 less than Villarreal and 18 less than Almeria. To put that into context, Huesca, who were relegated, scored just eight fewer than Elche.
Valladolid, meanwhile, opened their season with a 2-1 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao, before losing 2-1 away to Villarreal on August 24. However, they managed to pick up a much-needed three points with a 1-0 success over Getafe before the international break. They finished seven points clear of the relegation zone last season, but they could be one of the teams sucked into trouble this time around.
Their home form was fairly strong last season with just six defeats, but they did become an easy touch on the road, especially in the latter stages of the campaign. They have also managed to keep hold of quite comfortably their best player Patrick Ebert despite interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid. The German needs to have a big season if Juan Ignacio Martinez’s side are to secure their status come the end of the season.
TEAMS:
ELCHE: Herrera; Lomban, Suarez, Albacar, Botia; Marquez, Perez, Fidel; Coro, Boakye, Carles Gil
VALLADOLID: Marino; Rukavina, Valiente, Rueda, Pena; Rubio, Sastre, Omar, Oscar, Bergdich; Guerra
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Elche XI this evening with on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder Ruben Perez lining up in midfield alongside Javi Marguez, but Manu del Moral is named on the bench. Valladolid, meanwhile, continue with Javi Guerra in attack, but former Manchester United striker Manucho is once more named among the substitutes.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Neither side has been particularly impressive this season, therefore I am going to back a score draw. Let's hope for goals.
You just get the feeling that the first goal this evening - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in this type of match. Three points for the home side would move them out of the bottom three, which would be a boost at this stage of the season. Right, Valladolid get the action underway on this warm evening in Spain.
Bright start from the home side as Suarez collects possession in a deep area before attempting to find the run of Coro, but Pena is across to clear at the vital moment. A half-chance arrives moments later as Boakye threatens to move behind the away side's defence, but the offside flag halts the action.
Just a few signs that Valladolid are starting to come to terms with the tempo this evening with Bergdich and Alvaro Rubio starting to see more of the ball in the middle of midfield. Eventually the away side work it wide to Omar Ramos, but he is denied by a fine challenge from Suarez. Elche are down the other end moments later with Fidel, but they cannot find a way through.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but it must be said that there is a strong atmosphere. Should the home side take the lead, it would provide them with a big platform to build from. Bergdich's pace threatens to cause Elche a serious problem moments later, but Suarez just manages to make a challenge at the final moment. Good tempo to the opening six minutes of football.
It is a case of 'you attack, we attack' at the moment which is providing a very entertaining match. Elche again come close as Gil drives into the box before cutting it back towards Fidel, but Rueda is across at the vital moment. Lluis Sastre's trickery gets him in down the other end, but he is crowded out at the vital moment.
Bergich has looked the most likely for the away side thus far with his pace always a danger to Elche. However, a couple of sloppy passes from his teammates have found the midfielder in an offside position. One thing is for certain, he has the beating of his opposing full-back. Plenty of confident passing on display from both sides in the opening 10 minutes at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero.
CHANCE! The game's first real chance comes to the home side as Fidel finds a pocket of space down the left before delivering a low cross towards Coro, but the Spaniard's effort is just parried away by Diego Marino, before Rueda hooks the danger clear. Plenty of attacking intent from both sides, which is great news for the neutral.
Stunning effort from Perez as the on-loan Atletico Madrid midfielder strikes one from inside his own half, but Marino just manages to push it over his own crossbar. That would have sent the home supporters into delirium. From the resulting corner, Suarez rises inside the box, but his header is neither here nor there as it floats over the crossbar.
CHANCE! Another wonderful opportunity for the home side as Boakye's pace takes him beyond the Valladolid defence, but instead of shooting, the striker decides to cut it back into the box, where Rueda is on hand to make the challenge. A couple of golden opportunities for Elche to open the scoring, but neither have been taken as Valladolid hold on once more.
Without sounding like a broken record, the atmosphere really is stunning inside the stadium this evening. For a Monday night, the crowd have been sensational thus far. They are almost silenced as Omar dances through a host of challenges before moving into the box, but he loses control at the vital moment. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock in this La Liga clash.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a couple of late challenges. The pace of Boakye for Elche and Bergdich for the away side have been the main outlets thus far. Not too much from the likes of Guerra and Carles Gil.
Another half-chance for the home side as Perez whips a dangerous free kick into the box, but Pena rises highest to clear with a thumping header. Edu Albacar picks up possession moments later before delivering a dangerous cross towards the near post, but there are no takers. Where has the opening 24 minutes of this match gone? It has just flown past.
The referee has done well to keep a lid on proceedings in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides. Carles Gil is the latest to take a nasty one from Rubio, but the official does not look to his pocket. Guerra has a half-chance moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Manu Herrera.
CHANCE! Bergdich has been quiet for the last 10 minutes or so, but suddenly he bursts into life as he rounds two defenders before finding space inside the box, but instead of look to release an effort on goal, he decides to pass, with Lomban on hand to make the clearance. Both sides certainly have had chances to open the scoring in the opening 28 minutes.
Much better from Valladolid in the last couple of moments with Guerra starting to have more of an influence outside the box. The Spaniard again comes close to meeting a low cross from Rubio, but for the third time in quick succession, Suarez is across to make the clearance. Carles Gil is down the other end moments later, but he is chopped down by Bergdich.
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for the away side as Guerra finds some space inside the Elche box, but he loses his footing at the final moment, allowing Suarez across to make the clearance. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few minutes with Valladolid enjoying more of the ball.
Half-chance for Boakye as the striker's pace takes him into the Valladolid box, but the offside flag is raised at the final moment, much to the frustration of the Elche forward. Guerra meets a deep cross from Pena down the other end moments later, but Herrera is equal to the danger. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Rubio as the Valladolid midfielder charges into a challenge with Coro, fouling the Spaniard in the process. Boakye has another half-chance moments later as he outmuscles Pena, but Rueda manages to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The forward has been the most likely for the home side thus far.
Another half-chance for the home side as Gil collects possession on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. Moments later, a deep cross from Fidel causes problems in the Valladolid box, but Marino manages to make the clearance. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Nasty moment for Suarez and Guerra as the two players collide in a high challenge, with the medical men from both sides quickly on the scene. However, following a brief spell of treatment, both are deemed fit to continue. Still goalless in what has been a very entertaining 43 minutes of football thus far.
Both sides continue to threaten in the latter stages of the first period with a deep cross from Pena threatening Herrera, but the Elche goalkeeper does manage to palm behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is met by the head of Rukavina, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
HALF-TIME: Elche 0-0 Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Both teams have had opportunities to open the scoring in what has been an entertaining half of football, but it remains delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Valladolid just shaded the possession with 55% of the ball in the first period, but they have managed just three attempts on goal to Elche's four. Both teams have had opportunities to open the scoring, but neither deserves to be trailing at this stage of proceedings.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Aaron Niguez, Tono and Manu del Moral. Meanwhile, Valladolid have the likes of Manucho, Osorio and the Italian youngster Rossi in reserve. I suspect that we will see changes sooner rather than later.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome Celta Vigo. Let's hope for goals in the second period. Right, Elche get the action underway in the second half.
There have been no changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise, but I suspect that will change if the scores remain the same around the hour mark. As far as goalless draws go, it has been a good match thus far. It has not been a particularly dirty match, meanwhile, with just two books in the first period.
Half-chance for the home side in the early stages of the second period as Coro finds a pocket of space on the edge of the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to pick up all the points this evening.
Elche continue to force the issue as Perez fires a low cross into the box, but Rueda manages to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped just under the crossbar, but Fidel is on hand to perform his defensive duties. Not too much from Valladolid in the second period thus far with Guerra cutting an isolated figure in the final third.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. You just get the feeling that Valladolid would be happy with a share of the spoils as they continue to sit back and absorb the pressure. However, in Bergdich, they have one of the best counter-attacking weapons in the league. I would be astounded if this ended 0-0. I hope I have not just cursed it.
Half-chance for Elche to threaten once more as they force two corners in quick succession, the second is played short to Coro, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Another opportunity arrives moments later, this time for Botia, but the on-loan Sevilla defender rattles wide of the post from some 30 yards.
Valladolid look to their bench for the first time moments later as Rama enters the field in place of Valiente, who had been struggling for the last few minutes. There also appears to be some movement on the Elche bench as we approach the final 30 minutes of football. Surely it is not going to end goalless? Still plenty of time for things to change.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Rama to make an immediate impact as he collects possession on the left before cutting inside and striking a powerful effort towards the bottom corner, but Herrera is across to make a fine save. The resulting corner is delivered by Pena, but Herrera is once more on hand to make the save.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Elche dominated the early stages of the second period, but the away side have certainly played their way back into the match. Little over 25 minutes of action remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Half-chance for the home side as Coro delivers a wonderful cross into the box, but Carles Gil cannot make contact at the vital moment. Another opportunity arrives moments later, but Marino manages to palm clear after Fidel had flicked towards goal. The tempo has certainly been raised in the last few moments with Elche doing most of the attacking.
Elche look to their bench for the first time this evening as Fidel is replace by on-loan Sevilla striker Manu del Moral, who has yet to impress in the early stages of the season. The forward is immediately involved in a race with Rueda down the right, but the defender manages to clear at the vital moment. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Little over 23,000 inside the stadium this evening and the supporters must be credited for the noise level that they have produced. As far as goalless draws go, it has been very entertaining. The home side remain in the ascendancy as they make their second change of the night with Boakye replaced by Aaron, who will provide legs in the final third.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aaron's pace takes him into the Valladolid box, but he loses control at the vital moment, allowing Rueda across to make the challenge. Coro arrives on the scene moments later, but he is penalised for a foul on Rukavina. Temperatures are starting to rise with 73 minutes on the clock.
Valladolid look to their bench for the second time this evening as Rossi enters the field in place of Omar, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the second period. A half-chance arrives for the away side moments later as Rueda stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is straight into the wall.
Sloppy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of committing a number of challenges in dangerous areas. Aaron is the latest to foul Pena on the right, with the Elche forward gaining a yellow card for his troubles. However, the resulting set piece is once more delivered straight into the wall.
Right, little over 10 minutes of football remaining and somehow the score is still 0-0. Both sides have had opportunities in the second period, but as it stands, Elche look the more likely to pick up all the points. If we are to have a goal, then it looks likely to come from a set piece or a mistake. Half-chance for Aaron moments later, but he heads high and wide of the crossbar.
Rama remains a threat for the away side as he collects possession outside the box before driving towards goal, but Perez fells the midfielder, picking up a yellow card in the process. Moments later, Elche make their third change of the evening as Javi Marquez is replaced by Carlos Sanchez.
Valladolid look to their bench moments later as former Manchester United striker Manucho replaces Guerra. I suspect that we could see a number of high balls delivered into the Elche box in the latter stages of this match. Little over five minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with neither side settling for a share of the spoils. First real involvement for Manucho as the Valladolid striker finds a pocket of space inside the box before attempting to curl one towards goal, but Herrera is more then equal to the danger once more.
Bright work from Aaron gains the home side a free kick just outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Albacer, but Marino is across to make a wonderful save. The resulting corner is delivered low towards the near post, but the danger is cleared before Manucho clears behind his own crossbar for another corner.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match and we are indeed into the second of those. Temperatures have been raised in the last couple of moments with a host of challenges seeing both managers animated on the touchline. Little over one minute of football remaining.
FULL-TIME: Elche 0-0 Valladolid
So there we have it. Elche are still looking for their first win of the season as they are held to a 0-0 draw by Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Bilbao against Celta. Until then!
