Villarreal lose in a tough match at the Martínez Valero
Villarreal lost to Elche at the Martínez Valero (3-1). The Yellows did not have their best afternoon in Elche. Setién’s side conceded three goals to Pere Milla, two of them from the penalty spot. Gerard’s goal was not enough to get any points for the Submarine.
After the setback against Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal visited Elche with the intention of getting back to winning ways. Quique Setién’s team wanted to start the second half of the season with a good feeling against an Elche side in dire need of points.
The sunny afternoon in Elche did not start well for the Submarine. The Yellows conceded a goal in the third minute of the match. A good move by Lucas Boyé down the right led to a one-on-one with Pere Milla, who controlled the ball and did not forgive Reina. It was time to recover from a tough start.
The bumpy start to the game did not alter Villarreal’s game plan, as they wanted to keep the ball and attack in the opposition half. Setién’s side tried long-range shots before equalising.
In a superb move, Álex Baena slipped in a fine through ball for Gerard Moreno, who controlled the ball with his right foot and finished expertly in front of Edgar Badía. The Catalan striker slotted the ball home to level the scores. With 1-1 on the scoreboard, another game began at the Martínez Valero.
Villarreal came alive in attack. Before the half-hour mark, Yeremy had a fantastic opportunity to score the second. He surprised the Elche backline with a defence-splitting run, got away from his marker and found himself in front of Edgar Badía, who made a great save to deny him and prevent the Submarine’s second goal.
In stoppage time in the first half, Cuenca conceded a penalty on Pere Milla. It was Milla himself who took the spot-kick before half-time. Elche’s second goal, like their first, came at an important moment in the match.
Elche started the second half strongly. The need for ta win was evident on the pitch. In the 51st minute, a loss of the ball by the Submarine led to a counter-attack for Elche CF that ended in another penalty. Milla scored the third for the home team.
From there on, the Yellows, despite their best attempts, could not find a good performance and were unable to generate chances to get back into the match, which ended 3-1 in Elche’s favour.
Lineups:
Elche CF: Edgar Badía; Carmona, H. Palacios (Diego Glez., m. 46), Roco, Magallán, C. Clerc (Lirola, m. 71); Mascarell, Gumbau (Gonzalo Verdú, m. 87); E. Ponce (Nteka, m. 71), L. Boye, Pere Milla (Fidel, m. 58).
Villarreal CF: Reina; Foyth, R. Albiol, J. Cuenca, J. Mojica; Capoue (Coquelin, m. 63), Parejo (F. Niño, m. 79), Álex B. (M. Trigueros, m. 63); Chukwueze (D. Collado. m. 90), Gerard, Yeremy (A. J. Morales, m. 63).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 3: Pere Milla. 1-1. Min. 22: Gerard. 2-1. Min. 45+3: Pere Milla. 3-1. Min. 52: Pere Milla.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Booked: H. Palacios, Carmona, Mascarell, Fidel (Elche CF); Álex B., J. Cuenca (Villarreal CF).
Matchday information: Match between Elche CF and Villarreal CF, corresponding to Gameweek 20 of the LaLiga season, at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
