Elche managed to overcome the scare caused by the debut of the Murcian Preferente UD Pinatar in the Copa del Rey, by winning 3‑1 at the José Antonio Pérez Stadium. The match, which was played on October 27, 2026 at 19:00 CET, saw the hosts, led by coach Martín Anselmi, come back after a start in which the visitor took the lead and maintained the lead until half-time.
Pinatar started with the initiative, taking advantage of an error by Elche goalkeeper Juan Martínez to score the first goal in the 17th minute. Striker Moha, who had replaced Martínez, was responsible for that error, and the goal gave the Murcia team an advantage that forced the Second Division team to react. Elche responded with a double from Ponce, who scored at 31 and 53 minutes, thanks to a header after a cross from Josan and a shot from outside the area that, after a rebound, hit the striker's feet. Ponce's goal at 53' reduced the difference to 1-2, but the score was still in favor of the visitors.
Despite the pressure, Pinatar maintained the advantage until the end of the first half. Referee Manuel Jesús Orellana Cid recorded two yellow cards for Pinatar players, Rachiq and Salvador Piernas, and one for Ponce. In the second half, Elche increased the intensity, with a more fluid attack that left Diangana and Houary in dangerous positions. However, Pinatar's lack of continuity and organized defense prevented the tying goal from materializing.
The comeback was sealed with a goal from Houary in the 81st minute. The forward, after a series of dribbles that disoriented the Pinatar defense, shot from outside the area and the ball slipped between the posts. The goal completed the comeback and guaranteed Elche's exit to the next round. Pinatar, for its part, said goodbye to its first participation in the competition after a debut that allowed them to get ahead and maintain the pressure on the favorite for much of the match.
With the victory, Elche advances to the next phase of the Copa del Rey and consolidates itself as one of the strongest teams in the competition. For its part, UD Pinatar, despite the defeat, showed a competitive performance against a higher category rival, which gives them confidence for future matches in the Murcian Preferente.