Procession and victory define a long-standing tradition in Elche, a city known for its palm trees and a footballing spirit that runs deep in the local culture. The record speaks clearly: the last time Franjiverde tasted defeat at home during this festival was forty-four years ago.
In 1978, Elche faced Sporting de Gijón in a top-flight match and fell 1-2. It remains a historic moment, the last elite clash Elche hosted on Palm Sunday in its own stadium. The visitors edged ahead as Gómez Voglino found the net, and a ten-minute penalty converted by Doria sealed the outcome for the away side, leaving a memory that still resonates in the city’s football lore.
Since then, Elche has played twelve Palm Sunday matches at home, with the calendar shifting year by year. Nine ended in victory (in 1979, 1981, and 1986 against Casilla; 1984 versus Granada; 1992 against Valdepeñas; 1994 against Gimnàstic; 2009 against Alavés; 2013 against Murcia; and 2017 against Sevilla Atlético). Three matches finished in a draw (against Atletico Madrid B in 1987, plus 1996 and 2000).
The record books recount a spectrum of stories, from duels in Segunda and Segunda B to the first wins over multiple generations of Madrid’s reserve sides. The stark moment of Seville’s triumph five years ago signaled a challenging period and was followed by a campaign that ended in relegation. A remarkable 4-4 draw with Recreativo in 1996 remains a standout: a 0-2 deficit turned to 3-2 in Elche’s favor, then 3-4 for the visitors, with Cuxart coming close to a dramatic late equalizer. A notable win over Murcia in 2013 offered a rare glimmer of doubt in the era known as “Elche of Records.”
Away from home, Elche’s most recent Palm Sunday appearance came in 2019 against Albacete, ending in a draw with Pacheta on the sidelines. The 2020 season paused football due to the pandemic, and 2021 brought an election day into the calendar. On that date, Elche’s last First Division clash before the hiatus was a 2-1 loss to Valencia in 2014.
9 Franjiverdes victories on Palm Sunday in Elche since 1979
Palms and wins since 1979
Short win.
The run began in 1979 with a 2-1 victory over Castilla, with Trobbiani and Nando finding the net. Missed chances and a controversial refereeing decision late kept the Whites in the contest longer than expected, but Elche pressed on.
Castile again.
In 1981, Elche prevailed on Palm Sunday once more, this time against Real Madrid’s reserve side, which competed in the Cup Winners’ Cup that season. Chomín and Kostic returned to contribute to the scoreline as the team in pursuit of promotion to the First Division pushed forward.
Boria and Miguel, the heroes.
1984 proved eventful: a sharp refereeing decision was followed by a decisive save from Miguel Recio on a late penalty. Boria’s effort sealed the win as the stands flooded with celebration, a moment of triumph that marked the season’s closing stages.
Castile, the proper sacrifice.
Elche claimed Palm Sunday success against the white reserve side for a third time in seven years. Paco and Claudio found the net early, though the visitors posed continued challenges as the Lopetegui-Mel-Julio Llorente generation fought to assert dominance.
Redemption in Second B
In 1992, Elche spent its early years in the third tier. The victory over Valdepeñas came from a late push, with Puche and Jesús hitting decisive goals that swung the result in favor of the Franjiverdes.
Broken drought.
The move up to higher levels took longer than hoped. In 1994, Elche struggled to score against Nàstic on Palm Sunday, while Mir and Soriano dreamed of promotion, which did not materialize until three seasons later, when a prolific run of goals finally delivered advancement.
15 years later.
Nearly a decade and a half passed before another city-wide Palm Sunday victory. A rain-soaked day paused the procession, but Santos’s goal nearly guaranteed Claudio Barragán’s team another season in the Second Division.
The Elche of Records.
The 2012/13 squad accomplished a historic run, reaching Palm Sunday with confidence. An early Ángel goal dispelled lingering doubts after consecutive defeats at Miranda de Ebro and Soria, signaling a turning point for the club and its supporters.
Joy before drama.
On Palm Sunday 2017, Elche defeated Sevilla Atlético by a wide margin. Alberto Toril’s team would struggle afterward and eventually faced financial collapse. In that memorable day, Nino, Álex Fernández, and Borja Valle starred for Elche, leaving a lasting imprint on the season and its narrative.