Several hours before kickoff, fans from Elche CF and Valencia CF returned to the stadium for a crucial clash, scheduled to kick off at two in the afternoon at Martínez Valero. The atmosphere was charged as both sides prepared for a telling encounter against their regional rivals.
The Valencian supporters woke early, eager to see their team pull off a result that could ease the pressure. The stakes were clear: a win would keep Valencia in the fight and give their fans renewed confidence as the season progressed.
Vehicles were parked on the outskirts of the Elche Coliseum, with a convoy of coaches arriving to transport the Valencia squad. The northern end of Martinez Valero began to glow with the distinctive orange hues of Elche’s colors. Nervous energy hung in the air, yet there was a shared sense of anticipation, a belief that a victory could spark renewed optimism for the road ahead.
On Elche’s side, followers gathered with a mix of relief and resolve. The team faced a challenging moment in a season that could determine whether they would remain in the second division or seize a path that could restore their status in the higher tier, all while savoring the drama of a regional derby.
An Elche-Valencia under drama
JA Galvanized
With a friendly atmosphere between supporters, the clubs organized a joint activity that highlighted the camaraderie within the fan bases. The federation of the fan clubs coordinated a meetup point where the franciverdes clubs convened, turning the occasion into a shared celebration beyond rivalry.
As the team buses arrived, the volume rose, especially among Valencia fans. After his time with Elche, coach Rubén Baraja had returned to Martínez Valero in the 2015-2016 season and was warmly greeted by the crowd. In a pre-game press conference, he acknowledged that Valencia supporters were firmly behind the squad this season, a sentiment echoed by many in attendance.
Valencia fans waiting for their coach
Elche’s coach arrived with less fanfare but was supported by his players and supporters who filled the aisles with songs and chants. Martínez Valero’s stands were set to overflow with more than twenty thousand fans ready to back their teams in a decisive day for both clubs.
The visitors from Valencia were determined to secure three vital points, while Elche’s new manager, Sebastián Beccacece, aimed to collect his first points as head coach after the team’s previous losses. The match promised intensity, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance that could tilt the outcome in either direction.
Throughout the day, both sets of supporters created a lively, respectful atmosphere, celebrating the heritage of their clubs while recognizing the high stakes of the contest. The stage was set for a match that would live long in the memory of fans in both cities and beyond, underscoring the enduring passion that makes league football a focal point of regional pride and sporting drama.
In the days surrounding the game, analysts noted how preparation, nerves, and ambition intersected on the pitch. The clash stood as a reminder that in football, every derby carries its own narrative—of past battles, current form, and the unyielding desire to claim three points and write a new chapter for the season ahead.