Clear ideas for your Elche from day one
Elche CF is set to host a historic match that will mark the start of a new chapter for the club. The afternoon at Martinez Valero will feature a deeply personal and emotionally charged moment, as a long awaited farewell or milestone is celebrated in the presence of fans and local supporters.
For the first time in 61 meetings, Elche will face an English opponent from the Premier League, Leeds United. The clash will put on display Victor Mediumex as the sporting director, a figure who left a strong impression during his previous tenure with the club. The 2014-2015 season had seen Elche face administrative relegation, then the club rebuilt with a large staff, earned stability on the pitch, but later confronted challenges in the offices. The upcoming encounter offers a chance to showcase continuity and ambition under the current leadership.
Amid the proceedings, the club will present the new Elche coach Pablo Machín to the supporters. The leadership aims to establish a clear vision for persistence and to deliver a compelling first impression during his debut in front of the fans.
There is a plan to deploy two squads for the match, with a total of 21 players involved. Some players are unavailable due to injuries or recent absences, including Pastore and Fede Fernández. Enzo Roco and Tete Morente are sidelined due to injuries, while Diego Gonzalez has recently faced muscle issues. Lautaro Blanco will also feature in the match, marking his debut at Martinez Valero. The Argentine left back is not expected to play again until January but is already integrating into the team dynamics.
Elche team training with three shorts
The club anticipates a vibrant football atmosphere in the stands and a festive sports event. More than a thousand Leeds supporters are expected to fill the arena. A dozen coaches will join Leeds fans from the Benidorm region and the Valencia province, and there are plans for direct flights from the United Kingdom to accommodate travelling supporters.
More than a thousand Leeds United fans will be at Elche on Thursday
During the trophy presentation at City Hall, Victor Orta highlighted the passion of Leeds fans and the club’s broad global following. He noted the club’s huge international audience and the strong turnout associated with away games, expressing optimism that close to 20,000 spectators will attend the matchup at Martinez Valero. The match is expected to be a highly emotional experience for all involved, including the club’s former staff and the Elche executives who remember the bond built during past seasons.
There is a sense of mutual appreciation between the clubs. A former Elche sports director and a representative responsible for corporate relations of the Francis Verde organization spoke about the significance of this fixture and the shared sentiment among players, staff, and supporters. The event is also seen as an opportunity to showcase the newly appointed coach and his ideas, hoping to elevate the team as the competition resumes after the break.
Elche president Joaquín Buitrago commented on the calendar challenges that come with summer tournaments and the broader schedule. The club’s supporters will enjoy free access to the events, and Festa dElx will continue to be a festive tradition during the holiday season. The gathering is also viewed as a chance to witness the new coach in action and to gauge the team’s readiness as the season restarts.
The mayor, Carlos González, attended the presentation and described the upcoming cup tie as held in a remarkable period just before Christmas. It is seen as a fitting stage for fans and an opportunity to brighten the club’s centennial season. Orta presented the mayor with a T-shirt planned for the next Elche Half Marathon and a small gift, underscoring the ongoing partnership between the club and the city. The occasion also featured a commemorative acknowledgment from the City Council for the club’s enduring presence in the Franciverde tradition.