Staying in the First Division is shaping up to be quite a challenge right until the end of the League. With 11 matches left to play, there’s a mere five-point margin separating six teams. Back on matchday 13, Family Cash Alzira seemed to be in dire straits. Sitting at a meager 3 points and without a single win to their name. However, the tides have turned in the last six games, where the underdog has racked up an impressive 13 points, bringing them within three points of salvation.
Turn luck around
The Valencian club has turned their luck around with four consecutive matches without a loss, including three wins and a draw. It’s nothing short of a miracle. Considering their first victory didn’t come until matchday 14 on December 2nd against El Hidalgo Manzanares Cheeses. Wwho were competing neck and neck with Barça for the top spot. Just a day before their turnaround, Family Cash Alzira’s communication and marketing team released a stirring spot. Featuring the club’s mascot, Dril, titled “Let us have faith: let us do the impossible.” Originally conceived as part of a mid-season ticket campaign by community manager Raúl Amat, the spot took a dramatic turn. As Dril sought solace and guidance at the Hermitage of San Judas Tadeo, patron saint of lost causes, in their quest for survival.
Choosing to believe paid off as Alzira clinched a monumental victory, their first in over 33 years in the top flight, against all odds. “Everyone believes what they want,” Family Cash Alzira proclaimed on their social media channels following this initial triumph, as the video rapidly went viral, amassing over 100,000 views. Since then, Coach Braulio Correal has been seen carrying a picture of San Judas Tadeo whenever he’s on the sidelines. Their Christmas Eve victory against Movistar Inter further solidified the belief in a higher power guiding their fortunes, earning them 10 consecutive points and fueling dreams of remaining in the league.
San Judas Tadeo
Coach Braulio Correal revealed that it was a devout colleague who initially suggested the idea. Leading to the distribution of small stamps featuring San Judas Tadeo, which he now carries with him at all times. After narrowly clinching victory against Córdoba World Heritage Site, Raúl Amat emphasized the importance of winning in generating positive content. Highlighting the significant shift in momentum following the release of the viral video. Despite initial uncertainty surrounding its impact, the video has continued to resonate, serving as a beacon of hope for the team and its supporters.
With each victory, Family Cash Alzira has continued to stoke the fires of faith, posting another video on social media featuring C. Tangana’s song ‘Ateo’ blaring from the team bus speakers after their recent triumph against Osasuna Magna. Coach Braulio Correal remains grounded, acknowledging that while their undefeated streak in the second half of the season is impressive, they’re still languishing at the bottom, indicative of their struggles in the first half. Nonetheless, he attributes their resurgence to both faith and hard work, emphasizing the unity and dedication of his players.
Dispelling any notion of divine intervention, the coach underscores the importance of diligence and humility in their quest to compete at this level. With newfound confidence and reinforcements from the winter transfer window, including three Brazilian players, Family Cash Alzira is determined to fight tooth and nail for their place in the First Division, with San Judas Tadeo as their silent sixth man as they prepare to face league leaders Barça.