Pacheta guides Elche to First Division promotion after last minute winner

Late drama in Montilivi as Pacheta’s Elche secure promotion back to the First Division thanks to a 96-minute winner.

THE turning point in the game came in the 61st minute when former Middlesborough forward, Cristhian Stuani, received a direct red card, in a decision that was supported by VAR.
Girona subsequently had to face over 30 minutes with ten men before the numerical advantage eventually paid off for Elche.
The hero of the game, Pere Milla, made all the Elche pressure count and sparked scenes of jubilation among his teammates as the final whistle meant promotion back to the First Division.
Despite the pressure and extra player, the 96th minute winner was Elche’s first clear chance on goal with Pere Milla finishing off a precise cross from Fidel’s left at the far post.
The dramatic winner sees Elche promoted back to the LaLiga Santander division following the second leg play-off played behind closed doors in Montilivi.
The promotion sees Elche coach, José Rojo Martín ‘Pacheta’, guide the team from Second B to the First Division in three seasons.
The magnificent achievement has been done under some difficult circumstances with the team having the fifth lowest budget in the league and losing two key players in January.
After losing Gonzalo Villar and Yacine Qasmi, it was may have been viewed that the task of gaining another promotion may have been too great for even Pacheta to achieve, but he proved up to the job, as his monumental rise, and the teams, continues.
For more news from Southern Costa Blanca, please follow this link.