Elche CF put up a brave show against Real Madrid, who began with evident supremacy. Yet the hope lingers as the first half unfolds, with Madrid taking a 0-1 lead after two Madridista goals were ruled offside by VAR. The league leaders visit Martínez Valero with the stadium packed and an atmosphere charged. The attendance clocks in at 30,326 of a 31,388 capacity. Nearly a full house, and the crowd embraces a festive, almost celebratory mood despite the setback on the scoreboard.
“Debut of the brand new Ballon d’Or and starting in style”, a Madrid fan group jokes from one of the venue’s bars. “Yes, yes, but no Florentine talisman today”, replies a listening supporter. The high-profile Real Madrid figures that sometimes accompany matches are notably absent, including Emilio Butragueño and Eduardo Fernández de Blas. The event still gathers a cross-section of football executives and fans, including Christian Bragarnik, Elche’s owner, and Joaquín Buitrago, the club chairman, who enjoy a moment of cordial exchange at La Finca beforehand.
There is good camaraderie among the white and white colors, yet once play resumes, familiarity is replaced by competitive focus. The teams warm up amid applause for Elche’s players and whistles for Madrid, with plenty of cheers from the stands as the action begins.
The trio of referees signals the start with the opening whistle. Elche fans, tired of disputed decisions and refereeing mistakes, vocalize their expectations for fair calls throughout the match.
As always, the crowd’s support for each Elche player is evident when the home side is announced. The stadium announcer lists the starting XI, and the reception grows as the substitutes are named. It appears to be Jorge Almirón’s first game back at Martínez Valero, a moment that seems to earn a vote of confidence from the fans, aligned with Bragarnik’s wishes.
Initially, a goal is ruled out by VAR, but a second effort makes it to the net without controversy. The crowd freezes in place as the banners rise—big red cards emblazoned with messages from the supporters. Three Choices, two Southern Funds, and two Northern Funds display banners that say: I respect Elche CF and Enough is enough. Escalating chants also call for federation reform and leadership changes as the match unfolds.
In the stands, a high-profile presence draws attention: Murcian tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, accompanied by coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, enjoys a private box view. The world number one, still early in his career, has publicly supported Real Madrid as a favorite club. Yet his attendance is also tinged with empathy for Elche CF and a nod to the afternoon’s VAR controversy. Alcaraz is known to train at the Equelite Sports Academy under Ferrero’s guidance and has ties to Villena as well as Elche CF’s locale through the event’s charitable sides.
Moments before halftime, a medical incident interrupts play. A DYA responder attends to a spectator who has fainted near the Northern Fund. Play is paused while medical staff rush onto the field, and the match experience briefly shifts to concern. Everyone hopes for a safe recovery as the ball is cleared and play resumes under the watchful gaze of the crowd.
The first half ends with Elche still very much alive. VAR’s intervention proves decisive for two marginal offsides that had escaped previous scrutiny. The referees’ panel, while not perfect in the eyes of every supporter, leaves fans clinging to the belief that the match could turn in Elche’s favor after the break.
As the second half begins, Elche presses forward with renewed intent, pushing Madrid back and probing for chances. The team’s persistence is clear, and the stands respond with a blend of hopeful shouts and measured applause as the play develops and the drama continues into the second period.