Elche has managed to escape the relegation zone after its 3‑0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas, two months after having fallen to the Second Division after the second game of the season. With this result, the team from Elche maintains a two-point advantage over Espanyol, which occupies the second-to-last position in the table.
The relegation occurred after the defeat against Barcelona (0-5) on the second day of the championship, when the club was relegated to last position. Since then, Elche has shown remarkable defensive consistency, without losing a game under the direction of Martín Anselmi. However, in the last three days the team has not managed to overcome the penultimate position, leaving it in the risk zone.
The victory in Vallecas, which was played on August 25, marked a turning point. The result not only gave them three points, but also allowed them to overtake Espanyol in the table, placing them with a two-point advantage over the second-to-last team. This difference is enough to guarantee Elche's permanence in the First Division, although the club must continue to monitor the evolution of rival teams.
Elche, who were only out of the relegation zone during the first round of the championship (a 1-1 draw with Deportivo de La Coruña), now face an important next challenge. On the next day, the team from Elche will play against Valencia, which occupies the penultimate position and is a direct rival in the fight for permanence. Valencia is four points ahead of Elche, making the next match a decisive match for both teams.
With the victory over Rayo Vallecano, Elche has shown that it can compete at the First Division level and avoid falling to the Second. The club must now focus on maintaining its defensive performance and look for more wins to secure its position in the table. The next duel against Valencia will be crucial to determine if Elche can consolidate its stay in the top category of Spanish football.