Wonderful. The atmosphere yesterday at Martínez Valero was unforgettable, a true celebration of Elche CF and the city itself. The Frangiverde arena shone with color, and the crowd of 23,361 created a sea of energy that swelled with every heartbeat of the match. Among the spectators were a thousand friends from Almería, all united by a shared love of football and a passion that refused to fade until the final whistle sounded.
The anticipation for Elche’s first home game of the centennial season was palpable. From early on, fans took to social networks, proudly sharing the tiny insect emblem that attached itself to skin and gear in honour of the day. It was a badge of allegiance that could be seen everywhere, a small symbol with outsized meaning for those who live and breathe this club.
Two hours before kickoff, the plaza around Martínez Valero buzzed with fans eager to catch a first glimpse of the renovated property. As the gates opened, a steady stream of supporters poured inside to survey the changes. New video boards lit up the stands with dynamic replays, while select substitutes found comfortable seating in the upper sections. The pitch looked refreshed after a careful reseeding, offering a vibrant surface for the players to execute their plans.
Inside, the Elche home stands exuded a renewed elegance. The updated interior carried a refined charm, yet some exterior facades still awaited their upcoming makeover, a project that would unfold in due time. The overall impression was consistent with a club that has invested in modernization while preserving its identity.
Fans left with a sense of satisfaction at the upgrades. The arena felt more modern, more responsive to the needs of today’s game, and the mood among the crowd reflected that confidence with every cheer and slogan.
A milestone moment arrived as LGrada de Animación reached 600 subscribers, a sign of growing community energy and support. The area was bright with flags, and voices rose in a continuous chorus, keeping the tempo high throughout the entire match.
Aromas Ilicitanos filled the air as players entered the pitch, a sensory reminder of the club’s roots and the city’s enduring football culture. It was a moment for both football lovers and the Elche faithful to share a sense of ceremony and expectation.
Attention shifted to the field as the match began, with the spotlight on Francisco’s team and the new signing Álex Collado, whose arrival had stirred optimism. His debut performance and early contributions helped set a compelling tone for the home side, electrifying the crowd and energizing his teammates.
Almería struck first with a goal that tested Elche’s resolve. Yet the home supporters did not waver. They leaned into the challenge, urging the team forward with a chorus of calls and a shared conviction that a comeback was possible and worth fighting for.
Collado responded with a striking equalizer, unleashing a surge of ecstatic energy through the stands. The sense of possibility grew, and even those among the Almería supporters found themselves caught up in the momentum, snapping photos with the club mascot Datigol during the break and sharing the moment with friends near and far.
The atmosphere never ceased to glow. The team pushed from bell to bell, and the Martínez Valero court roared with every push toward the opponent’s goal. The crowd’s endurance and belief helped the home side press through the toughest phases of the game, creating a palpable sense that victory could be within reach at any moment.
As the minutes wore on, the stadium kept the tempo high with chants, claps, and a rhythm that matched the players’ efforts on the pitch. There was a moment of tension when the ball found its way to Lucas Boyé near the edge of the area, followed by a brief exchange with Pastore that drew a reaction from the sit-down portions of the crowd and the standing sections alike.
In the closing stages, the mood shifted between hope and resignation. The long-anticipated win did not arrive, but the supporters stood tall, applauding the team’s courage and commitment. It was a night that strengthened the bond between the club and its fans, who acknowledged the hard work and persistence shown by every player on the field. The gathering left with a sense of pride and a feeling that the party would continue as Elche prepared for the next challenge, confident in the knowledge that progress was being made and that belief remains a constant companion for the red-and-green faithful. [Citation attribution: Elche CF official communications]