Villarreal travelled to Elche on Saturday knowing that three points would see them move fourth in the La Liga table.
The Yellow Submarine led 2-0 inside 17 minutes following goals from Luciano Vietto and Ikechukwu Uche.
However, Elche were back in the match after 26 minutes when Jonathas finished into the top corner, before Victor Rodriguez levelled the scores with a stunning strike 10 minutes before the interval.
Surprisingly, that was the end of the scoring, as the two sides played out a goalless second 45 minutes.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero as basement side Elche welcome in-form Villarreal. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from this Spanish affair.
TEAMS
ELCHE: Tyton; Damian, Lomban, Pelegrin, Cisma; Adrian, Pasalic, Faycal, Rodrigues, Victor; Jonathas
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Gabriel, Ruiz, Costa; Bruno, Trigueros, Cheryshev, Moi; Vietto, Uche
So there we have it. Elche will seemingly line up in a 4-5-1 formation this evening, with Brazilian Jonathas leading their line. There are also starts for Garry Rodrigues and Mario Pasalic, who are on loan from Levski Sofia and Chelsea respectively. Adrian is also given a start on the right of midfield.
Villarreal, meanwhile, have kept with their usual back four and goalkeeper. Bruno Soriano will skipper the team from central midfield, while there is a start for exciting youngster Moi Gomez. In-form pair Denis Cheryshev and Luciano Vietto also start and the latter will be hoping to add to his 12 goals for the Yellow Submarine this season. Giovani dos Santos, meanwhile, is back on the bench for the visitors.
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In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Villarreal have won two of the last five matches, with the further three games ending in draws. The pair have only ever met twice in La Liga, but Villarreal only won one of their six meetings when both sides were members of the Segunda Division.
In truth, it has been a very difficult season for Elche. As it stands, they currently prop up the division having taken just 10 points from their 16 matches. Six of their points have arrived from two wins, while they have drawn four times and lost 10. However, victory here would certainly hand them hope.
Home form has been a problem for Elche this season, having won just one of their eight matches, losing five times in the process. They have also scored just six times on their own patch in the league. Goals have also been a big issue and unless that changes, it will be a long second half of the season.
Villarreal, however, are absolutely flying. The Yellow Submarine have won their last seven games in all competitions – including five in the league. Last time out, they were 3-0 winners over Deportivo La Coruna at El Madrigal, but Marcelino's side have dropped to sixth in the league in the last couple of minutes following Sevilla's 1-0 win over Celta Vigo. Victory tonight, however, would see them move fourth.
Interestingly, Villarreal have lost three of their eight league games on their own patch, but they have lost just once on the road – winning four times in the process. As it stands, only the current top three boast better away form than Villarreal, while they have the second-best defensive record on their travels.
PREDICTION! Villarreal can seemingly do no wrong at the moment, while Elche are really, really struggling for points. Shocks of course occur, but I am not expecting one here to be honest. I think that the visitors to have far too much on the night and secure all the points with a comfortable 2-0 win.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Villarreal make it eight wins in a row tonight? It is the home side get the first 45 minutes underway on this mild evening.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, which is not a surprise. It is such an important match for both teams. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes as both sides attempt to work their way into the match. Let's hope for a cracker here!
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment, with neither side shirking the battle. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in this type of match.
It's good work from Pasalic as the Elche midfielder, who is on loan from Chelsea, drives through the heart of the Villarreal penalty box, but he cannot slide a pass into Jonathas. Villarreal are down the other end moments later, but the likes of Uche and Vietto have struggled to make their mark in the early moments.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Vietto delivers a dangerous cross towards Cheryshev, who looked certain to convert, but somehow Suarez made a last-ditch challenge.
BOOKING! Ruiz (Villarreal) is booked for a late tackle on Fajr.
CHANCE! Elche come close to taking the lead as Pasalic meets a free kick from Adrian, but Asenjo is on hand to palm over the crossbar. Rodrigues has a half-chance moments later after showing excellent feet down the left, but his low effort is into the side netting. Chances at both ends!
This match has really livened up in the last couple of minutes as Rodrigues delivers another dangerous cross towards the far post, but Jonathas cannot make contact. Good spell for Elche.
Another half-chance for the home side as Jonathas turns just outside the box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always straight into the arms of the waiting Asenjo.
GOAL! Elche 0-1 Villarreal (Vietto)
What a beautiful goal! Villarreal take the lead with 12 minutes gone as Vietto finishes off a swift counter attack. It is an exceptional goal on so many levels. The break was just devastating and the Argentine was on hand to convert a Gomez cross. One moment Elche had the ball, the next they were behind.
Villarreal are threatening to run riot at the moment as Vietto again drives into the Elche box, but this time the Argentine cannot work a shooting chance. Mario delivers a dangerous cross from the right moments later, but there is no contact from Uche. Elche really need to just ride out this spell of pressure.
GOAL! Elche 0-2 Villarreal (Uche)
And there is the second goal. Villarreal are running riot in the early moments here as Uche converts from close range after Tyton had denied Mario. Is that game over already? Villarreal are flying here.
Decent response from the home side as Adrian curls one from outside the box, but Asenjo is on hand to make a fine save. Rodrigues is first to react, but the goalkeeper again makes a wonderful save.
SAVE! Even better goalkeeping from Asenjo as the Villarreal stopper pushes a point-blank Adrian header over the crossbar. It has been a very good response from the home side to falling 2-0 behind.
Villarreal are down the other end with Cheryshev moments later, but the Russian's effort is just high of the crossbar. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening. What a match!
Half-chance for Elche as Jonathas meets a deep cross from Suarez, but the Brazilian's header is wide of the post. You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match for Elche if they continue to press.
Elche have just managed to quell the threat in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession, but the away side are such a threat on the counter attack. Is the game already over? You would have to say that one more goal for Villarreal would end this game as a contest, even at this early stage.
GOAL! Elche 1-2 Villarreal (Jonathas)
Super, super goal from Elche. Rodrigues uses his pace to drive down the right before delivering a low cross into Jonathas, who finishes first time into the top corner. Wonderful strike from the Brazilian!
This is quite a good game to say the very least!
CHANCE! Jonathas comes close to scoring his second after beating the offside trap and indeed Asenjo, but the striker does not get enough on his effort and Costa is across to clear the danger.
BOOKING! Pasalic (Elche) is booked for a poor challenge on Vietto.
It almost goes without saying, but the next goal in this match is just vital. Jonathas tries his luck from outside the box once again, but his long-range strike was always moving wide of the post.
The pressure continues from Elche as the ball is worked wide to Rodrigues, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Villarreal are down the other end moments later, but Suarez shows excellent pace to clear ahead of Cheryshev, who looked favourite to burst into the home side's box.
CHANCES! Villarreal come close to scoring their third as Vietto sets up Uche inside the box, but his effort is blocked by Suarez. Moments later, Vietto has one cleared off the line by Lomban. The pressure continues from a corner, but Elche manage to scramble clear. Good grief it is all happening!
GOAL! Elche 2-2 Villarreal (Victor Rodriguez)
Oh my good grief what a goal. Elche are level here as Victor Rodriguez finds some space outside the box before curling one into the bottom corner off the inside of the post. We are all level here!
And breathe. Finally a moment to relax as Vietto is penalised for handball inside the Elche box. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and it is Elche that are now in the box seat here.
BOOKING! Jonathas (Elche) is booked for dissent.
Elche do not want half time to come as they continue to break forward, but Villarreal remain such a threat on the counter attack. I would not be surprised if there were more goals in the first period here.
Bruno meets a corner from Gomez, but the Villarreal skipper's header is just wide of the post.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the away side as Mario finds Trigueros with a low cross, but his effort is just wide of the post. That really should have been 3-2 Villarreal, but the score remains level.
CHANCE! Another half-chance for the away side as Gabriel meets a deep free kick from Bruno, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Moments later, Cheryshev fires a low Vietto cross wide of the post. Villarreal should be ahead following a couple of golden opportunities.
HALF-TIME: Elche 2-2 Villarreal
Well, that was a sensational half of football. Villarreal raced into a two-goal lead after 17 minutes courtesy of efforts from Vietto and Uche, but Elche fought back through Jonathas and Rodriguez. In truth, we could have had another four or five goals in what has been a wonderful half of entertainment here.
STATS! Elche have just shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had 10 attempts - eight of which have been on target. Villarreal, meanwhile, have hit the target with four of their nine attempts. In truth, I am finding it difficult to remember the last time I saw a half of football that entertaining.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Aaron Niguez, Herrera and Coro all in reserve. Villarreal, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Jonathan dos Santos, Giovani dos Santos and Gerard Moreno.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes - more of the same in this half please! It is the away side that get the action underway. More goals? Thanks.
No changes from either manager at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 2-2 for the next 20 minutes or so.
BOOKING! Pelegrin (Elche) is booked for a poor challenge on Uche.
It has been a bright start to the second period from Elche, with Jonathas and Rodrigues - their two standout players in the first half - both involved. Not too much from Villarreal since the break, however.
BOOKING! Costa (Villarreal) is booked for an off-the-ball altercation with Jonathas.
Half-chance for the home side as Fajr picked the pocket of Gomez before releasing Jonathas, but the Brazilian's effort was blocked. Victor Rodriguez picked up the pieces inside the box, but eventually the danger was cleared. Elche have been the better side in the early stages of the half that is for certain.
Rodrigues is flying at the moment as the pacey midfielder drives down the right before delivering towards the near post, but Bruno is across to clear. Rodrigues finds himself unmarked outside the box from the resulting corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. All Elche here.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes, with neither side too interested in defending, which is creating an entertaining match. Surely there are more goals as the second period advances.
Villarreal are in trouble as Elche continue to deliver high balls into the away side's box, but the pressure is eased when Asenjo gains a free kick. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining here.
Half-chance for the away side as Cheryshev delivers a wicked cross across the six-yard box, but Tyton manages to palm clear. Mario has a shooting chance moments later, but his effort is blocked. Eventually Cheryshev fires high and wide of the crossbar after finding space outside the box.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments following a couple of late challenges. Still 2-2 with little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining.
Villarreal gain a free kick outside the Elche box as Suarez brings Bruno to the ground. The resulting set piece is taken by Trigueros, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
SUB! Villarreal make their first change as Jonthan dos Santos replaces Trigueros.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third of the field. Little over 25 minutes to play here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Villarreal as Uche finds Vietto with a stunning pass, but the Argentine cannot move past Tyton, who comes out to claim at the body of the striker.
The away side have just started to control the tempo of this match, with Cheryshev more involved in wide positions. Just a reminder that Giovani is on the bench for the visitors and it would not be a surprise to see the Mexican in the final stages of this match. Is there to be a winner? Still Villarreal for me.
Good pressure from Elche in the last couple of minutes - with the home side forcing two corners in quick succession. However, Villarreal manage to clear their lines without any real drama. Still 2-2.
Elche continue to work the ball in the final third as Rodrigues finds Jonathas, but his cross is too high. Giovani, meanwhile, is preparing to enter the field for Villarreal. The Mexican has plenty of goals in him.
Cheryshev's pace again takes him into the final third, but his low effort is deflected behind.
BOOKING! Cisma (Elche) is booked for a tug on Gomez.
SUB! Villarreal make their second change as Giovani replaces Uche.
Villarreal continue to look the team most likely as they break forward with pace and power, while Elche are struggling to keep hold of the ball in the final third. You just get the feeling there is at least one more goal in this. Just a reminder that the Yellow Submarine are searching for their eighth straight win.
Brilliant defending from Cisma as the Elche defender chests a dangerous Costa cross behind.
SUB! Elche make their first change as Victor Rodriguez is replaced by Aaron.
Villarreal continue to threaten as Cheryshev delivers a low cross towards Vietto, but Tyton just does enough to clear for another corner, which is delivered straight into the arms of the big goalkeeper.
Jonathas fires one from outside the box for Elche, but his effort is high and wide.
Little over five minutes of football remaining and Villarreal continue to look the side most likely. However, clear chances have been at a premium in the second period, which is such a big surprise.
SUB! Elche make their second change as Rodrigues is replaced by Coro.
Couple of half-chances for the home side following a dangerous set piece, but Cisma has a header blocked before Aaron fires one wide of the post. Still 2-2 with 85 minutes on the clock here.
CHANCE! Jonathan dos Santos meets a loose ball on the edge of the Elche box, but his powerful effort is deflected wide of the post. Another excellent counter from the Yellow Submarine.
Little over two minutes of normal time remaining and Elche have possession in Villarreal territory.
Bruno has the chance to threaten from a free kick, but the Villarreal skipper hits a tame effort into the wall. It does appear that the points will be shared as we approach two minutes of additional time.
Half-chance for Villarreal as Cheryshev lashes one across the face of goal, but there are no takers and that should be just about that. The away side will be kicking themselves after this match.
FULL-TIME: Elche 2-2 Villarreal
So there we have it. Elche and Villarreal share the points in a 2-2 draw. Villlarreal led 2-0 inside 17 minutes, but the home side responded to claim a point. As a result, the visitors have missed the chance to move into fourth position. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
