Thirty years later: the Portal de Vallejo revives the record-breaking Levante

Portal de Vallejo has reunited the record-breaking Levante team of the 1994-1995 season in an emotional reunion 30 years later. The protagonists reminisced about the streak of thirteen consecutive victories that marked an era in Segunda B. The match against Girona, which ended in a draw, became the centerpiece of memories and anecdotes from that historic squad. Players, coaches, and staff shared stories from the locker room, training sessions, and experiences that remain vivid in their memories. An afternoon that celebrated not only victory but also the spirit and unity of that unforgettable team.

Levante and the thirteen victories
The match against Girona could have marked the fourteenth consecutive victory of the season. That Levante team started the league with an unstoppable streak: thirteen victories in the first thirteen matches of Group III of Segunda División B, a milestone that still lives on in the memory of Levante fans. Each match reflected a determined team, capable of dominating from the first minute and creating a unique identity in Segunda B football.

The reunion three decades later
Portal de Vallejo brought together a lineup from that historic squad: Ballesteros, Salva, Miguel, Andrés, Herrero, Albelda, Carrero, and Javier Domenech, who had not seen each other in 30 years. The emotion of the reunion was palpable and constituted the first victory of the evening. Amid hugs, laughter, and memories, the protagonists relived those days of effort, hard work, and collective triumph, rekindling the camaraderie that characterized the group.

Memories of a packed Ciutat
The match against Girona drew national attention, and the now Ciutat de València stadium was filled as rarely seen before. Albelda recalled arriving at the stadium with his father: “I was struck by how many people were around.” Salva highlighted: “I remember there were a lot of fans in the stands.” Herrero added: “It was amazing to see crowds of over 20,000 spectators during the season. And not just in the match against Girona. That’s something very rare in Segunda B.” The excitement and warmth of the crowd contributed to making that match unforgettable. The indelible memory endures for several generations of Levante fans.

Juande, ahead of his time
Juande Ramos was the spiritual leader of that group. Most players agreed: “He had very clear ideas. He knew what he was doing.” Herrero emphasized the modernity of those training sessions: “We did everything with the ball. At the time, that wasn’t very common, but we did it.” Even years later, when he met Juande during a training session with Tottenham, Herrero recalled telling him: “The training sessions are the same as the ones you did at Levante.” The coach from La Mancha responded with a football mantra: “If it works, don’t change it.” Juande’s innovation, tactical clarity, and ability to motivate the group were key to achieving that record.

Locker room life and team spirit
Beyond the match, the protagonists revealed insights into the locker room. Carrero recalled that there were two groups: singles and married players, and the singles often went out together, including Uriz and his wife, who became an integral part of the group. Daily interactions strengthened the bonds between players, and off-field activities, such as boat rides on the Albufera or shared meals, fostered a sense of belonging that still endures today. Each anecdote highlighted how the locker room life was marked by camaraderie, discipline, and shared fun.

The emotion of Juande’s presence
The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Juande Ramos at the 1909 room, just before five o’clock. His presence captivated the room’s attention. Hugs and warm greetings abounded. Pirri, the legendary kit man, was moved by the sight of the coach. Juande emphasized the quality of the group: “Without raw material, nothing can be done. A spectacular squad was formed. Young and veteran players. The locker room worked like clockwork. We weren’t as superior as the results suggested, but match by match, the team convinced itself that we were capable of winning, and that was the key.” He also added: “A very important legacy was left, as we can see 30 years later. It was my first professional team, and it has marked my entire career. The memory is of the human group we had.”

The value of not winning
Portal de Vallejo also allowed for reflection on the value of triumph and sporting memory. Sometimes, in football, there are aspects that take on greater significance than the actual victory. The draw against Girona, far from tarnishing the legend of that Levante team, became an example of how a team can remain in collective memory even without winning every match. Although victory eluded them that day, that team is part of Levante’s collective imagination, solidifying a story that remains alive three decades later and continues to inspire generations of fans. Every detail of that season, from the initial winning streak to the locker room experiences and Juande’s leadership, built a legacy that transcends results and celebrates the spirit of an unforgettable group.