The Girona Football Club enters the season as an ambitious newcomer with eyes on competing at the highest level, a reality that makes their first meetings with Elche CF particularly noteworthy. Both clubs will be tested in a league where neither has previously clashed in the top division, setting the stage for a fresh, high-stakes rivalry. The 2022-23 season was a turning point that positioned Girona as a credible challenger, and experts from EFE indicated there could be a clear winner in their encounters this year.
Elche, making their third straight appearance in the First League, faces a schedule filled with familiar and new opponents alike. Among the competitors are two other newly promoted sides, Valladolid and Almería, creating a diverse early landscape for Elche. Girona’s single prior spell in the First Division occurred during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 campaigns, periods that overlapped with Elche’s time in the Second Division, which is why the two clubs have not shared the elite stage before. Girona earned promotion to the top tier in 2016-2017, marking a historic ascent for a club that spent years outside the highest level; Elche, by contrast, had already forged a long trajectory in Spanish football’s upper echelon, including seasons spent in the Second Division that ultimately shaped their long-term strategy.
Yet a real connection has grown between the teams in recent times. Girona has strained but competitive memories of Elche, particularly in the promotion playoff a few seasons back when Elche emerged with a 1-0 aggregate advantage after a 0-0 and a 0-1 result in the decisive legs. Those performances have left a mark on the dynamic between the clubs and added a layer of anticipation to their forthcoming encounters.
In terms of leadership and personnel links, the ties between Elche’s staff and Girona run deeper than a single match-up. The Girona coach, Francis Rodríguez, previously managed the Catalan side for two seasons, and several players—Gerard Gumbau and Johan Mojica among them—moved from Montilivi to Elche, contributing to a shared understanding of the region’s football culture. This cross-pollination infuses the fixture with strategic intrigue, as former acquaintances navigate new roles and environments.
A club with financial firepower
Despite its recent promotion, Girona Fútbol Club is backed by substantial financial resources. The team is part of the City Football Group family, the same umbrella that includes Manchester City. The ownership structure features Ignacio Mas Gastan holding a 46% stake, Bolivian entrepreneur Marcelo Claure with 35%, and Peter Guardiola, the brother of the Manchester City coach and a key figure representing the players, owning about 16%. Although Girona’s local fan base may not rival that of longer-established clubs, the owners have signaled their intent to invest heavily once promotion was secured, aiming to assemble a squad capable of challenging for sustained success.
At the outset of the prior season, the ownership group assumed debts exceeding ten million euros, then capitalized the balance sheet and launched a capital increase of around 20 million euros. That strategic move provided the financial runway needed to construct a team capable of fighting for promotion and maintaining competitiveness in the top tier. The relationship with Manchester City further extends Girona’s access to talent and development opportunities, allowing the club to loan young players when appropriate, a pattern seen in earlier campaigns. Such arrangements can translate into real on-field advantages as the season unfolds, making Girona a dangerous opponent for Elche and other rivals alike.
In summary, the season ahead promises a compelling duel between two clubs with contrasting histories and converging ambitions. Girona carries the promise of fresh energy, strong backing, and a pathway to long-term growth, while Elche brings experience, continuity, and a well-established position in Spanish football. The interaction of these elements—historic context, managerial ties, and strategic financial backing—creates a narrative that fans and analysts will watch closely as the campaign progresses.