Elche has sold out every ticket for Monday’s La Liga clash with Real Betis, signaling a full house for the season’s first home game and marking the club’s return to the Spanish top flight two years after their last appearance there.
The Illicitano club boasts a record 27,000-strong fan base, a historic high in its 102-year history, meaning the remaining capacity—about 4,388 seats—will be allocated to visiting supporters and on-the-day sales.
Late in the afternoon, Elche announced that the entire stadium was sold out, ensuring the Martínez Valero will host its first full house of the season.
Betis, under Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini, has generated significant anticipation in the province of Alicante, where the Verdiblancos enjoy a large following.
From early afternoon, despite a heat wave, fans from both sides mingled near the stadium to welcome their teams, filling the vicinity with green and white—the colors of both clubs—along the Martínez Valero approach.
Among Elche’s notable new signings for their return to the top flight is Argentine midfielder Fede Redondo, son of Fernando Redondo, who previously shone for Tenerife and Real Madrid, arriving from Inter Miami.
Commentary: The full-house atmosphere underscores renewed local enthusiasm and political interest in Elche’s return to La Liga. The notable attendance and a high-profile arrival like Redondo could help galvanize the squad and boost the ambience for a competitive season ahead. Positive momentum from a sell-out home crowd, combined with Betis’ strong regional following, sets the stage for what could be an exciting opening fixture.
Summary: Elche’s stadium is set to welcome a packed crowd for its pivotal return to La Liga, highlighted by a record fan base, strategic signings, and strong regional interest in a high-profile Monday fixture against Betis.