Overview
- First-half strikes from Tajon Buchanan and Santiago Mouriño put Villarreal ahead before André Silva pulled one back late for Elche, with Mouriño lamenting a drop in intensity.
- The result moves Villarreal to 54 points, level with third-place Atlético Madrid but behind on goal difference.
- Villarreal now hold an 11-point advantage over fifth place after Real Betis lost 2-0 at Getafe.
- Getafe’s resurgence continued as Kiko Femenía and Martín Satriano scored in the win over Betis days after a victory at Real Madrid.
- Elche sit 17th, remain winless in 2026 and away from home, and are just one point above the relegation zone.