The 2016-17 campaign delivered a devastating end to an era for Elche as Los Franjiverdes, despite fighting until the last day, finished a crushing 21st in the Segunda División, resulting in relegation to the third tier. Leading the emotional fight was the legendary veteran Nino, whose 12 crucial goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Gimnàstic de Tarragona, anchored the attack in a campaign built on desperation and failed hope. It was a dark, turbulent year that saw the club hit a low point, and it remains a painful but defining chapter of their modern history.