The Nuevo Estadio de Los Carmenes was pulsing with optimism for this encounter as Granada welcomed Elche in crucial match for the relegation battle.
With Granada relieving manager Robert Moreno of his duties last weekend, a sense of release had engulfed the club. One of his technical staff Ruben Torrecilla was in charge for this one and was just as animated in the crowd.
Granada fired out the blocks, agile in attack and intense in the challenge. The game could have been won in the opening ten minutes with Luis Suarez and Carlos Neva spurning brilliant chances, although the latter was kept out by stunning Edgar Badia save.
For their part, Elche deserve credit for weathering the storm. Just eleven minutes in they broke down field with a sweeping, weaving basketball move. That culminated in Pere Milla assisting Fidel Chaves for the only goal of the game – a side-foot low into the corner.
That would be the pattern for the rest of the match in all truth. Elche bet on their ability to stifle Granada and wreak havoc with the space behind them as Granada desperately sought an equaliser.
The atmosphere remained lively throughout, which was a testament to the Granada efforts, forcing more Badia saves and some excellent defending.
Ultimately, Elche stuck to their game plan though and stood out for their intelligence. Whenever the frenzied Granada attack threatened to breach their goal, Elche managed the game and turned off the supply taps to their forwards.
That maturity was the difference between a point and three for Elche, who demonstrated what an excellent appointment Francisco was once again. With the possibility of finishing the weekend in the relegation zone, Granada must contemplate whether they saw enough to maintain Torrecilla in his position or look for a saviour with ten games to go.
