Levante fans set for massive derby reception as Castro's men chase first home win
Levante supporters planning special welcome for players ahead of crucial Valencian derby against Elche, with the team desperate to break their home duck.
Levante fans are gearing up for a cup final atmosphere tonight as their struggling side faces Elche in a crucial Valencian derby at the Ciutat de Valencia.
Special reception planned
The Levante faithful, working alongside the club and official supporters’ groups, have organised a proper welcome party for the team bus when it arrives at 19:30 - an hour before kick-off. The reception will take place on Calle Santiago Rusiñol, right by the stadium, reviving a tradition that began back in May 2024.
This isn’t just the fans’ idea either - word is that gaffer Luís Castro himself has specifically requested the boost of a proper pre-match atmosphere. The Portuguese boss clearly reckons his squad needs all the help they can get from the stands as they hunt for their first home win of the entire season. Talk about home disadvantage!
Breaking with tradition
In another break from this season’s routine, the Levante squad will be staying at a hotel in the city before the match - the first time they’ve done this for a home fixture this campaign. Seems like Castro’s pulling out all the stops to change their fortunes at the Ciutat.
Desperate for home comforts
It’s not hard to see why they’re trying something different. After 21 league matches, Levante find themselves second-bottom with just 14 points. Their form sheet makes for proper grim reading:
- 3 wins - all away from home (Girona, Real Oviedo and Sevilla)
- 5 draws (Betis, Getafe, Mallorca, Real Sociedad and Espanyol)
- 11 defeats
The lack of home victories is becoming a right old millstone around their necks in their battle against relegation. If they can’t start turning the Ciutat into a fortress soon, they’ll be in serious boat race trouble.
The derby atmosphere should be electric tonight - but can the Granotas finally give their loyal supporters something to celebrate on home soil? Castro’s certainly throwing the kitchen sink at making it happen.