In normal times, this preview would center on Diego Simeone and Antoine Griezmann visiting Martínez Valero and the steps to replicate it. The franciverde squad would aim to topple the third-placed club in the long history of Spanish football. The goal would be to add another epic to Elche’s legacy, both in its Gold era in the First Division and through tougher stretches in the Second Division.
Elche seek to match Atlético Madrid in victories at Martínez Valero
VL Deltel
However, the centennial Franjiverde season is far from ordinary. The team enters this match technically in the silver tier, and while supporters anticipated the result, they chose to respond as families do during grief and frustration: they come together. This Sunday, Elche fans will not spend time debating whether Boyé can outpace Oblak, or whether Badía can stop Griezmann and company, or whether Beccacece can outsmart the opposition. Instead they rally to face Simeone head-on, united in purpose. (Source: Elche FC supporters association, attribution noted)
In a challenging year, fans reserved this date to celebrate Elche Club de Fútbol’s 100-year history. The celebration will begin early and extend past the league match. Coincidentally, this anniversary falls on the club’s first home game after a relegation to the Second Division. The timing matters little to those who view the moment as a symbol of resilience. (Source: Club records, attribution noted)
The fan gathering starts at 9:50 am.
Organized by the Peñas Federation to mark the centennial, the festivities will open with a musical parade through the city, ending at Paseo de la Estación, followed by a series of tents and activities.
From 10:00 to 15:00, children can enjoy inflatable games, and from 11:00 to 13:00 a variety of workshops with face painting will entertain young fans.
At noon, the Albarranch pyrotechnic team, the club’s origin, is expected to light the first mascletà in honor of the youngest green collars, with a second display planned at 14:00 for Elche and its supporters. A giant paella will be served from 1:00 pm.
The match will kick off at 16:15 at Martínez Valero against Atlético. Throughout the day, assorted Elche memorabilia will be given as gifts.
There is something poetic about the moment, a chance to bury the difficult times in memory alongside the many great moments from the club’s past and to look ahead to the future. The event also carries a message for the youngest fans: belonging matters more than the result. (Source: Event organizers, attribution noted)
There is no need for anyone to be the richest, tallest, most handsome, highest-paid, or most-followed. There is a path to happiness in defeat too, because it is a part of life. (Source: Community reflections, attribution noted)
Thus, Franjiverdismo presents a simple idea to the world: if a promotion is celebrated together, the same unity should endure in a descent. Players, coaches, presidents, and owners may be transient; fans stay. They leave the stadium together, and they return together. (Source: Club culture analysis, attribution noted)
Match
In purely sporting terms, Elche faces Atlético Madrid, a club that has been navigating a compressed schedule after a World Cup hiatus in December, showing the depth of the competition in the league. (Source: League schedule summary, attribution noted)
Be that as it may, Simeone’s team advanced from a difficult stretch, having been eliminated from the Champions League and entering the Europa League playoff picture in a narrow position. They trailed Barcelona and Real Madrid in the league but rose to contend for a high finish after a comeback, moving into second place alongside Barcelona after a strong run that included matches against top opponents. (Source: Season review, attribution noted)
The encounter with Elche follows a period in which Atlético Madrid has shown resilience, maintaining a steady form after a challenging spell. Recent results included a decisive win over Mallorca, Valladolid, and Cádiz, with key players continuing to contribute. (Source: Club match reports, attribution noted)
Simeone on Elche: “They improved with Beccacece”
INFORMATION
As expected, Simeone is unlikely to rotate heavily, maintaining a familiar lineup after victories that included wins against Mallorca, Valladolid, and Cádiz. Alongside the goalkeeper, notable starters and contributors include Savic, Reinildo, Llorente, and Depay. (Source: Team news, attribution noted)
Beccacece: “We must prepare for a long and difficult year in Division Two”
VL Deltel
With everything on the line and Beccacece continuing a rigorous plan for the 2023/24 season, Elche heads into matches with a focus on consistency, aiming to deliver performances that resonate with the home crowd, even if the immediate opponent is formidable. The home result is not the only objective; the day is about reaffirming identity and community. (Source: Coaching notes, attribution noted)
The coach has kept Helibelton Palacios and Pedro Bigas in reserve for defensive depth, while questions linger about Mascarell’s return and Carmona’s absence due to injury. Should Elche manage a stalemate or a win against Atlético, it would lift spirits despite the broader challenge of relegation. The emphasis remains on a memorable day for franjiverdismo and the shared experience that outlasts any single match outcome. (Source: Squad updates, attribution noted)