Elche vs Valladolid preview - Martinez expects a stern test

Posted Monday, September 16, 2013 by PA

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez expects a stern test when he takes his side to newly-promoted Elche on Monday night.

Elche are yet to win since their step up to the Primera Division but have shown enough for Martinez, in his first season at Valladolid after leaving Levante, to suggest a maiden success is not far away.

"I'm sure Elche will want to get their first win, especially at home, and that will put some pressure on us," he said in a press conference.

"They execute their set-pieces very well, but also go out with a philosophy to play nice football.

"But we have some good characteristics, so it should be a nice game."

Valladolid beat Getafe 1-0 in the match before the international break to secure their first points after losing their first two matches.

"We took a lot more shots and we were more direct, and I think that's our best style," midfielder Oscar Ramos said.

"I managed to participate more and I felt fitter.

"In the first two games we tried to play further back and at the end of the day it's much harder to score when you are 70 metres from goal."

Elche took a point from their only home match so far against Real Sociedad - one of Spain's representatives in this season's Champions League - and midfielder Aaron Niguez believes their form at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero will determine whether they stay up.

"Survival hinges on your ability to win points at home, the players know that and we want to make our stadium a fortress," he told reporters.

"This year is the right time for our fans to enjoy our football. They are looking forward to seeing the team compete with the best teams and we want our fans to leave out stadium in a good mood."

Elche have no injury concerns while Valladolid could hand a first appearance of the season to midfielder Victor Perez after injury.

German winger Patrick Ebert trained separately from the main group this week but could make the squad. Omar Ramos sprained an ankle in training and is a doubt.