Levante Fans Greet Former Player Pepelu with Hostility During Valencia Visit

During the recent La Liga encounter between Levante UD and Valencia CF, Levante fans expressed strong hostility towards Pepelu, a player who was developed in Levante's youth system but currently plays for their city rivals, Valencia. The player was met with chants of hatred and insults as he returned to Ciutat de València for the first time since his departure.

Pepelu, who left Levante nearly 1,000 days ago, started for Valencia in the match that ended in a 2-0 victory for the visiting side. The game was significant as it marked Pepelu's first appearance at his former club's stadium since 2023, a pivotal year when Levante was relegated to the Segunda División after losing the La Liga playoff to Alavés.

The atmosphere was notably hostile, with Levante supporters chanting phrases such as "Pepelu, you are a rat!" and throwing notes featuring the player's face towards him. This reaction reflects the deep rivalry between the two clubs and the emotional response from Levante fans to Pepelu's move to Valencia.

After Levante's relegation in 2023, Pepelu had initially demonstrated loyalty by signing a 10-year contract renewal with the club, signaling a long-term commitment. However, this allegiance shifted when he transferred to Valencia for a reported fee of €5 million just months later. This move has evidently left a lasting impact on the Levante fanbase, contributing to the intense reception he received during the derby.

Levante's coach, Luís Castro, oversaw the home side during this match, which ended in a defeat that may influence the club's efforts to return to La Liga. The hostility towards Pepelu underscores the emotional stakes involved in local derbies, particularly when players switch allegiances between rival clubs.

Looking ahead, Levante will aim to recover from this defeat and improve their standing in the Segunda División, while Valencia continues to build momentum in La Liga. The reception Pepelu faced may also affect future encounters between the two clubs, as local rivalries remain a defining feature of football in the region.