He then scored his first Europa League goal in a 4–2 win over Hapoel Tel Aviv on 1 October 2009. A month later on 8 November 2009, Elia scored his fourth goal of the season and set up the opening goal of the game, in a 2–2 draw against Hannover 96. However, he suffered an ankle injury in the 15th minute and was substituted as a result, as Hamburger SV drew 1–1 draw at Mainz 05 on 28 November 2009.
He scored his first Europa League goal in a 4–2 victory over Hapoel Tel Aviv on October 1, 2009. A month later on November 8, 2009, Elia scored his fourth goal of the season and assisted the opening goal, in a 2–2 draw against Hannover 96. However, he injured his ankle in the 15th minute and was substituted due to Hamburger SV drawing 1–1 with Mainz 05 on November 28, 2009.