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Diari Valencià

Lucas Cepeda Scores Crucial Goal for Elche CF in Relegation Battle

Chilean footballer Lucas Cepeda scored his first LaLiga goal in the derby against Valencia CF, a vital strike that brings Elche closer to safety.

Generic image of a soccer ball on a grass field, with a blurred goal in the background.
IA

Generic image of a soccer ball on a grass field, with a blurred goal in the background.

Chilean footballer Lucas Cepeda was the protagonist of the derby against Valencia CF, scoring his first LaLiga goal, a crucial strike that has given Elche CF three vital points in their fight for permanence in the top division.

Cepeda's performance had been under scrutiny, but the goal scored last Saturday holds immeasurable value for the 'franjiverde' team. If Elche CF manages to avoid relegation, this goal will be remembered as a decisive moment in the Chilean winger's season.
The goal came in the 72nd minute of the match, shortly after Cepeda entered the field. He finished a great play by Aleix Febas, scoring a goal that secured Elche's second victory in 2026 and three points that bring them closer to safety, despite ending the matchday in the relegation zone.
The player's celebration, bringing his index finger to his mouth in a clear gesture to silence critics, was interpreted as a response to those who had questioned his performance in the nearly three months he has been in Spanish football. This was his seventh league match out of ten possible, having started in four, but only completing one full game.
Cepeda joined the Martínez Valero club during the last winter transfer window, coming from Colo-Colo. Elche acquired 70% of his economic rights for 1.8 million euros, with a contract expiring in June 2030. The club owner, Christian Bragarnik, is a strong supporter of this 23-year-old left-footed footballer, capable of playing on both flanks of the attack.
Before joining Colo-Colo, Cepeda made his professional debut at Santiago Wanderers and was named the best young player in the Chilean league. He has been a senior international for his country and, in the last two seasons, participated in 61 official matches, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists, under the guidance of former 'franjiverde' coach Jorge Almirón.

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