Elche

Founded in 1923 through the merger of clubs in the city, Elche represent the Bajo Vinalopo area of Alicante province. Their white shirts with a broad green chest band explain the nickname Los Franjiverdes. The club play at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, inaugurated in 1976 and used as a venue for the 1982 World Cup, which remains one of the largest football grounds in Spain outside the biggest metropolitan centres.

Elche have won Segunda Division twice, in 1958-59 and 2012-13. The first of those titles began a long top-flight spell that included the club's best league finish, fifth in 1963-64, and a Copa del Rey final in 1969. The era shaped by coach Heriberto Herrera established Elche as a tactically disciplined side capable of competing with more established Spanish clubs.