The world of football often brings about unexpected reunions, and the derby between Elche CF and Valencia CF will be no exception. This Saturday, two key players for Eder Sarabia's scheme in the Elche team, Rafa Mir and Germán Valera, will confront their past in a match where points are more crucial than ever for Elche.

Rafa Mir, who came through the Valencia CF academy between 2012 and 2018, was one of the club's great prospects. He stood out for his goal-scoring ability from youth categories up to the reserve team, Mestalla. In the 2017-2018 season, he scored a brace at Martínez Valero, which would be his last goals as a Valencianista before embarking on a journey through various teams such as Las Palmas, Huesca, and Sevilla. After a return to Valencia where he did not find his best form, he has found the ideal environment at Elche to shine again, being the team's top scorer with 8 goals.

For his part, Germán Valera will also experience a special match. After developing in the Atlético de Madrid academy and playing for teams like Tenerife, Real Sociedad, and Zaragoza, he joined Valencia CF in the summer of 2024 as a future prospect. However, opportunities at Mestalla were scarce, playing only 12 matches. At Elche, on the other hand, he has found his best version, integrating perfectly and contributing to the team's promotion. His performance has been notable, with 28 matches and 4 goals in Primera División, establishing himself as a tireless winger on the left flank.

A third former Valencianista in Elche's ranks is Gonzalo Villar, who spent three years in the Valencia CF academy (from 2015) without making his debut with the first team. After his sale to Roma, he returned to Elche last February, where he has had a more limited participation so far, with 4 matches and 75 minutes played.