The League
1:00 p.mMarch 8, 2026
Regular season – 27
Ceramic Stadium
Referee: Víctor García Verdura, Spain
Villarreal
Elx
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.62
Expected Goals (xG)
1.29
Passing by
280 (79%)
Accurate passes
527 (87%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Luiz Junior
7.6
23
d
Sergio Cardona
6.7
4
d
Rafa Marin
7.0
6
d
Pau Navarro
7.2
d
Santiago Mourinho
41′
m
Alberto Moleiro
43′ Stumbledm
Papa Gueye
31′ m
Santi Comesaña (C)
41′ m
Tajon Buchanan
31′
9
F
George Mikautadze
6.7
19
F
Nicolas Pepe
7.2
1
G
Matías Dituro (C)
7.2
21
d
Leo Petrot
7.0
22
d
David Affengruber
6.9
23
d
Victor Chust
6.3
11
m
Germán Valera
7.2
14
m
Alex Febas
6.7
8
m
Marc Aguado
6.6
19
m
Grady Diana
6.2
42
m
Buba Sangare
6.3
10
F
Rafa Mir
6.2
20
F
Alvaro Rodriguez
6.3
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Villarreal held off a late comeback from Elche to claim a vital 2-1 win at home in La Liga, with first-half goals proving crucial.
Villarreal achieved a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Elche at the Estadio de la Ceràmica. Goals from Tajon Buchanan and Santiago Mouriño in the first half ultimately decided the game, despite Elche’s late resurgence.
The Yellow Submarine entered the match in good form and finished fourth in the League with 51 points. Elche, meanwhile, was in 17th position, struggling for consistency. This match was crucial for the respective league ambitions of both teams.
The home side showed early intent, pressing for an early goal. Elche focused on defensive solidity, trying to absorb Villarreal’s pressure. Villarreal’s attackers probed the back of Elche relentlessly.
Villarreal broke the deadlock in the 31st minute. Pape Gueye made an excellent pass from midfield. Tajon Buchanan then expertly slotted the ball home, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Elche tried to respond, but Villarreal quickly extended their lead. In the 41st minute, Santi Comesaña made a precise assist. Santiago Mouriño guided the ball into the net, giving Villarreal a comfortable two-goal cushion.
Just before the half-time whistle, Villarreal’s A. Moleiro received a yellow card in the 43rd minute for a tactical foul. This caution highlighted the growing intensity of the match. Villarreal reached the half in firm control.
Elche faced a major challenge at the break, needing a strong second-half performance to salvage a result. Villarreal wanted to maintain their two-goal lead and secure the three points.
The second half began with Elx showing more urgency and making several substitutions around the hour mark. They tried to inject new offensive impetus into their game. Villarreal also made tactical changes.
Villarreal replaced the goalscorer Buchanan and Moleiro in the 65th minute, with new legs. Elche has also introduced four players in quick succession, including striker Andre Silva, who is determined to find his way back.
Elche’s persistence paid off in the 83rd minute. Substitute Martim Neto provided a crucial assist, expertly setting up Andre Silva. Silva then fired a shot past the keeper, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finish.
In the final minutes, Elche pressed hard for an equalizer and poured on. Villarreal’s defense held firm under increasing pressure. Andre Silva received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in stoppage time, ending a frenetic finish.
Villarreal finished with 16 shots in total and 7 on target, registering an expected goals (xG) of 1.62. Elx, despite having 63% possession, managed 13 shots with 6 on target and an xG of 1.29. Vila-real goalkeeper Luiz Júnior has made 6 vital saves.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory cemented Villarreal’s position in fourth, boosting their hopes of Champions League qualification. Elche’s struggles continue, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone of the League.
