After the day’s news arrived, no result could spoil the celebration. Not this time in the show. Martínez Valero hosted the moment, Sánchez watched from Pizjuán. Sevilla’s draw with Mallorca completed the long-awaited credential. Persistence felt mathematical, and Elche declared it aloud through the speakers. Twenty-one thousand two hundred sixty-six spectators filled the stands just before the halftime whistle. There was standing applause, tight embraces, and a chorus of joy. The squad trotted onto the pitch with beaming smiles, applauding the fans who had shared every moment of the journey.
“Thank you!” was written on the lips of several franciverdes players as they clapped toward the stands. Excitement bubbled across their faces. The work had the anticipated outcome since the victory on the Betis field. A member of the technical staff reminded the players in the locker room that the job had been completed. “We yelled a few times”, said Captain Fidel, then added, “we refocused on the second half.” “We wanted to deliver a win for our fans, but it didn’t happen”, he admitted.
The celebration persisted at full volume after the restart. Some athletes even offered congratulations to their rivals for their endurance. The second half, though its importance is subjective, had begun. Even Atletico, pushing hard to secure a Champions League place, found the net again.
After the final whistle, the team roared, “Elche, Elche!” They gathered at midfield to dedicate the historic victory to the cheering crowd and to the chant, “Som, som, som from the First Division.” Among the chants, one stood out: the evident plea, “Francisco, stay”, recognizing the coach’s role in shifting the team’s mentality. The coach himself stepped to midfield to greet the supporters and express gratitude for their unwavering backing.
In the same vein, Javier Pastore noted that the season had experienced “ups and downs, with some bright moments and some tough ones, yet the fans’ steadfast support provided strength for crucial points.”
Fidel reflected on the defeat, calling it the toughest he has faced. “We knew we faced a dangerous opponent”, he stated. While not happy with the result, he remained proud of the season and the team’s attitude and commitment. He extended congratulations to teammates, the technical staff, club staff, the fans, and the city. They all deserved their place in the Premier League, and celebration was due for the club’s centennial as it prepared to challenge the elite of Spanish football. This summary captured the year: perseverance documented, improvement over the previous season, and a commitment to continue with the same spirit moving forward.” [Citation: club post-season remarks]
After the day’s news arrived, the mood remained upbeat. The atmosphere in the stadium, the reactions of the fans, and the unity shown on the field reflected a collective belief in a bright trajectory for the team. The celebration, though intense, carried a sense of duty fulfilled and anticipation for what lies ahead in the top tier of Spanish football. [Acknowledgement: team statements and crowd response]