Villarreal Stun Elche with Clinical Counter-Attacking Display

The visitors needed just seven minutes to open the scoring, with Moleiro finishing a devastating fast break. Georges Mikautadze played provider before racing onto the return pass and slotting a left-footed effort into the bottom right corner. The Georgian striker turned scorer six minutes later, converting from close range after Nicolas Pépé's assist to double Villarreal's advantage. Martim Neto pulled one back for the hosts in the 30th minute, his right-footed strike from distance finding the bottom left corner after Aleix Febas' clever setup, but Alfonso Pedraza's 83rd-minute finish from the left side of the box, assisted by Sergi Cardona, restored the two-goal cushion and sealed the victory.

The tactical battle told a fascinating story. Elche controlled 78% possession, pinning Villarreal back for long stretches, yet struggled to convert territorial dominance into genuine threats. Villarreal's defensive shape remained compact, with Rafa Marín and Santiago Mouriño marshalling the backline superbly, forcing Elche wide and limiting central penetration. The visitors' midfield trio of Dani Parejo, Santi Comesaña, and Pau Navarro worked tirelessly without the ball, compressing space and launching rapid transitions. Despite 15 attempts, Elche managed just two on target, with Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Júnior making a crucial 63rd-minute save from Rafa Mir's header to preserve the lead.

The statistics painted a different picture than the scoreboard. Elche dominated possession and chances, but Villarreal claimed all three points. The referee was busy, brandishing six cards in a feisty affair that saw tempers flare in the 66th minute when Aleix Febas, Pedro Bigas, and Santi Comesaña all received yellow cards following a heated exchange. Elche's six corners to Villarreal's two highlighted their territorial advantage, yet the visitors' clinical finishing—four shots on target from 12 attempts—proved the difference.

The turning point arrived in the final ten minutes when Elche pushed desperately for an equalizer. Villarreal absorbed the pressure expertly, with substitutes Sergi Cardona and Gerard Moreno providing fresh legs. When Cardona found Pedraza racing down the left channel in the 83rd minute, the full-back's composed finish effectively ended the contest, punishing Elche's high defensive line one final time.

Villarreal will host AFC Ajax on January 20 in Matchday 7, seeking to maintain their impressive form at the top of the table.