It was a day that felt almost perfect for him until the final moments, when expectations shifted. José Rojo Martín, known as Pacheta, stepped back onto Martinez Valero as the Elche manager, a club owner profile that has shaped the club’s recent journey. He had not set foot in the post-season celebrations since August, and while the home crowd roared with affection, the outcome proved bittersweet for the team and for him. The person who helped lead the ascent from the Second B to the First Division carried a heavy mix of pride and frustration as the match reached its conclusion.
From the moment he entered the stadium he wore a complex mix of emotions. The initial moment of reconnection unfolded in a brief embrace with Christian Bragarnik, the Elche owner and strategic force behind the club’s promotion surge. Their hug spoke of reconciliation after earlier tensions, a moment that underscored mutual respect and a shared commitment to the club. The coach and the major shareholder stood at the tunnel entrance and exchanged views in a quiet, focused exchange before the team meetings.
When the lineup was announced and Pacheta was named coach of Valladolid, the stadium erupted in applause. Before kickoff, the Fan Assembly publically acknowledged his work in Elche, presenting him with a commemorative plate. The moment carried the weight of a formal tribute, orchestrated by the club president and the man who typically keeps a low profile in such ceremonies, Joaquin Buitrago. Pacheta dedicated the accolade to all the supporters, who returned the favor with another wave of applause as he accepted the tribute with humility and gratitude.
During pregame warmups, Pacheta seldom leaves the bench area for a quick stroll onto the grass. On this day he made an exception, stepping out to greet players, staff, and assistants with genuine warmth. The club’s long-standing manager knew it was a special day and made the most of it, even stepping in front of a camera to greet TV rights crews briefly. He did not miss a hug or a handshake, and he paused to share smiles with a handful of fans after posing for photos.
Throughout the game his emotions remained in check, giving way to professional focus. The day delivered a blend of affection, applause, and three points. Yet in the closing minutes the match’s rhythm shifted after Tete Morente scored to equalize. The Valladolid manager grew visibly frustrated with his squad and with the officiating, lamenting moments of perceived delay and stretching time. The outcome could have offered a crucial lifeline for Valladolid in a tense moment, though the final result left both sides to reflect on what could have been. In the press room, Pacheta showed understanding and compassion for Elche’s plight, offering constructive commentary rather than dwelling on the uglier edge of defeat.
As the game unfolded, several former Elche players and staff appeared on the field and near the benches. Lucas Olaza, who had minutes before been starved of action due to injury, made a late appearance, joining Sergio León and other figures who had previously shared a season with the club. The coaching staff and assistants, Chema Monzón, Guillem Galmés, and Jorge Trigueros, greeted Elche personnel warmly as emotions remained high on both sides. The exchange underscored a shared respect for the game and a recognition of the relationships built through competition.
In the end, the day stood as a reminder of football’s unpredictable nature. Pacheta demonstrated leadership that balanced affection for Elche with the demands and duties of his new role at Valladolid. The stands offered a chorus of support, the players responded with effort, and the match lived on in memory as a moment of sincere, human drama on a day that blended triumph and what-ifs. The scene captured the heart of football—where loyalty, ambition, and the love of the game intersect in a way that lingers long after the final whistle.