The 2002-03 campaign delivered a tense season of Segunda División survival for Elche CF as Los Franjiverdes secured a 16th-place finish. Leading the charge with vital goals was the club's talisman, Nino, whose 10 strikes proved decisive in a campaign built on grit and consolidation. This difficult league season was redeemed by a moment of local pride, as the club's historic stadium, the Martínez Valero, hosted the 2003 Copa del Rey Final. It remains a defining chapter that anchored the club in the second tier while showcasing their ground on the national stage.