Elche CF and its fans celebrated their survival in LaLiga EA Sports in grand style on Saturday night in Girona. At the Municipal Stadium of Montilivi, with the suffering fans of Girona FC as witnesses, the squad, technical staff, directors, and the half-thousand traveling 'franjiverdes' celebrated having narrowly avoided a fatal end after months spent on the brink.

Tears, endless hugs, players collapsing on the pitch, and absolute communion between the squad and fans were the highlights of a celebration that, by Sunday morning, had moved to the Martínez Valero stadium. Several thousand 'franjiverdes' awaited the official team bus's arrival from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, having flown from Girona-Costa Brava on a charter flight full of smiles.

Flares, firecrackers, scarves in the wind, and a human tide dyed green and white welcomed the 'franjiverde' expedition, led by Eder Sarabia and Christian Bragarnik. They chanted celebratory songs that had already been heard hours earlier in Montilivi, as well as songs remembering their eternal rival, Hércules CF, currently in the Primera Federación. There were also chants directed at some 'franjiverde' players like Aleix Febas, whom fans repeatedly asked to stay with the team.

Nights like the one in Montilivi and the Martínez Valero perfectly explain why football, at times, is so worthwhile. Elche woke up this Sunday exhausted but happy. Their team will continue to compete for another year with the giants of Spanish football.