Elche’s social channels keep the memory alive, revisiting a turning point that marked the club’s renewed era. Four years earlier, on June 23, 2018, the team celebrated promotion to the Segunda Division under coach Pablo Pacheta, a moment that signaled a ascent from tough spells to the higher levels of Spanish football. For the club and its supporters, it was described as escaping a difficult period and moving toward a brighter chapter in Elche’s legacy.
In the first leg at the Martínez Valero, a 2-1 defeat to Villarreal B narrowed the overall margin but also set the stage for Elche to push back into the second tier. The result, while not a victory on the night, demonstrated the squad’s resilience and their determination to reclaim a spot among Spain’s top divisions. That match became a catalyst for a two-season climb that eventually brought Elche back to the First Division after a spell away from the spotlight.
Pacheta’s influence loomed large in delivering that promotion. A later assessment by Julián Palomar, an editorial observer, noted that the coach carried a dream into the dressing room and helped turn it into reality. He helped steer Elche toward the second tier, a triumph that hinged as much on the players’ trust as on tactical execution. In the world of football, a night of challenge gave way to a broader narrative of rise through unity and perseverance. The club had tasted a drop to lower levels and found a path back to the promised land through collective effort and steadfast resolve.
On the night in question, the central figure wasn’t the usual goal scorers but a goalkeeper who rose to the moment. José Juan made four crucial saves, with reflexes that drew admiration from the stands. His stops kept the scoreline within reach and underscored the defensive balance that allowed Elche to stay dangerous on the counterattack. A goal from Benja later in the match provided momentum, and the team’s stubborn resistance would become a defining characteristic of their campaign.
The following day, a bold front-page proclamation declared that the mission was accomplished. Inside, the message conveyed a straightforward truth: Elche had left the difficult phase behind and returned to the Segunda division. The city greeted the team with jubilant streets, and the Plaza de Baix transformed into a stage for supporters celebrating a long-awaited return. The collective relief was visible in every clenched fist and every shared smile among fans.
Only fragments of that memorable night remain vivid in the broader memory of the club. Names like Gonzalo Verdú and Josan still stand out as key contributors, while Crevillent midfielder Iván Sánchez, who came on in the 60th minute, showed how squad depth kept faith with the undertaking. The Franjiverde lineup was anchored by José Juan in goal and featured a backline of Tekio, Neyder, and Manu, with a midfield trio of Manuel Sánchez, Provencio, and Beja, and attackers Javi Flores and Nino. On the bench sat Guille Vallejo, Zotko, Redru, Jony, Collantes, Josan, and Lolo Plá.
Benja’s early strike, arriving in the 15th minute, put the team ahead. Villarreal B briefly leveled before halftime and then clinched the win with a late goal in the 93rd minute. The narrative, as observers noted, highlighted the Windsor-like loyalty of the fans at Mini Estadi. They endured the team’s toughest hours and believed in its eventual recovery, a sentiment that proved to be patient and prophetic as Elche continued its ascent.