Villarreal lose against Los Franjiverdes in a game with few chances
A defeat by the smallest of margins at the Estadio Martínez Valero (1-0). Villarreal lost against Elche in a game without much football played and few chances. The home side scored the only goal of the game through Lucas Boyé.
Unai Emery lined up with a recognisable starting XI to face Elche CF. There was only one change from the match against Atlético de Madrid, with Yeremy Pino coming in for Manu Trigueros.
In the first half, there wasn’t much football played at the Martínez Valero. Villarreal tried to take control of the game, but they were unable to do so against an Elche side that did all they could to stop the rhythm of the match. The home side were focused on stopping Emery’s side from playing and pressuring the referee whenever there was a chance that he would give something in their favour. Without any real chances, it was 0-0 at half-time.
In the second half, Villarreal took a step forward, but were unable to get past the home side’s defence, which held strong before looking for chances on the counter. In the 78th minute, after a mix-up in defence, Boyé beat Gero Rulli with a powerful shot.
Lineups:
Elche CF: Edgar Badía; A. Barragán, Verdú, Diego Glez., J. Mojica; T. Morente (Josan, m. 76), Mascarell, Gumbau (Marcone, m. 84), Pere Milla; Lucas Pérez (Lucas Boyé, m. 65), Guido Carrillo.
Villarreal CF: Rulli; Foyth (Mario Gaspar, m. 75), R. Albiol, Pau, Estupiñán (A. Pedraza, m. 75); Moi Gómez (N. Jackson, m. 69), Parejo (Iborra, m. 85), Capoue, Alberto M. (Raba, m. 85); Yeremy, Gerard.
Goal: 1-0. Min. 78: Lucas Boyé.
Referee: Pizarro Gómez . Booked: Verdú, Mojica, Pere Milla, Diego Glez. (Elche CF), Parejo, Capoue, Iborra (Villarreal CF).
Information: Match between Elche CF and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Matchday 21 of LaLiga Santander at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Attendance: 12,433.
