In a standout display, Villarreal, known as ‘El Submarino Amarillo’, secured a 3-1 victory against Elche at the Martínez Valero Stadium on matchday 18. The first goal came from Alberto Moleiro, netting in the 6th minute after connecting with a precise cross from Georges Mikautadze. Following quickly, Mikautadze himself scored Villarreal’s second goal just six minutes later (12’), showcasing the team’s early dominance.
Elche managed to narrow the gap with a well-placed shot from Martim Neto in the 29th minute, but Villarreal maintained control of the match and sealed their victory with a goal from Alfonso Pedraza in the 82nd minute.
Throughout the match, Villarreal boasted an impressive 76% possession rate, demonstrating their control on the ball despite Elche’s attempts to counter.
Aleix Febas stood out for Elche, completing 107 successful passes and making two defensive interceptions, although his efforts weren’t enough to change the match’s outcome.
In addition to Moleiro’s brilliance, Georges Mikautadze made significant contributions, scoring one goal and successfully executing three shots on target, along with nine accurate passes.
Elche’s head coach, Eder Sarabia, implemented a 5-3-2 formation, featuring Iñaki Peña in goal, supported by Álvaro Núñez, Víctor Chust, David Affengruber, Pedro Bigas, and Germán Valera in defence. The midfield included Martim Neto, Aleix Febas, and Marc Aguado, while Alvaro Rodriguez and Rafael Mir led the attack.
In contrast, Villarreal’s manager, Marcelino García Toral, set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Luiz Júnior as the goalkeeper, backed by Pau Navarro, Álvaro Mouriño, Rafa Marín, and Alfonso Pedraza in defence. The midfield consisted of Nicolas Pépé, Santi Comesaña, Dani Parejo, and Alberto Moleiro, with Ayoze Pérez and Georges Mikautadze in front.
The match was officiated by referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos.
Looking ahead, Elche will travel to face Valencia, while Villarreal will host Alavés at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
After this contest, Villarreal remains competitive with 38 points, holding the third place in the league, while Elche sits in ninth with 22 points.
Substitutions for Elche
60’ 2T – David Affengruber was replaced by Bambo Diaby
70’ 2T – Marc Aguado was substituted by Grady Diangana
78’ 2T – Rafael Mir was taken off for Adam Boayar, Álvaro Núñez for Josán Fernández, and Martim Neto for Rodrigo Mendoza
Yellow Cards for Elche:
4’ 2T – Germán Valera (unsportsmanlike conduct), 20’ 2T – Pedro Bigas (argument with a rival), and 20’ 2T – Aleix Febas (argument with a rival)
Substitutions for Villarreal
66’ 2T – Ayoze Pérez was replaced by Gerard Moreno
67’ 2T – Nicolas Pépé came off for Sergi Cardona
75’ 2T – Dani Parejo was substituted by Carlos Macia and Georges Mikautadze by Tani Oluwaseyi
79’ 2T – Álvaro Mouriño was replaced by Juan Foyth
Yellow Cards for Villarreal:
38’ 1T – Ayoze Pérez (unsportsmanlike conduct), 20’ 2T – Santi Comesaña (unsportsmanlike conduct), and 42’ 2T – Sergi Cardona (unsportsmanlike conduct)