Villarreal defeats Elche to remain close behind Atletico

Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory over Elche on Sunday, maintaining their pursuit of Atletico Madrid for the third position in La Liga.

Following Atleticos win against Real Sociedad on Saturday, which kept them in third place, Marcelino Garcia Torals Yellow Submarine, now in fourth, matched their tally of 54 points.

Goals from Tajon Buchanan and Santiago Mourino in the opening half highlighted Villarreal's strong showing, though Andre Silva's late strike caused some anxious moments for the visitors.

We eased off slightly, up to the 70th minute we controlled the match, but then we endured pressure right to the final whistle and that is something we must avoid, Mourino commented to Movistar.

Villarreal created numerous opportunities during the first period, yet Elche keeper Matias Dituro denied Nicolas Pepe and Georges Mikautadze with key interventions.

Elche began the campaign impressively, but they have not triumphed in 2026 or on the road this season, slipping to 17th spot, just one point clear of relegation.

I believe with additional time we might have drawn level, as we ended strongly in the manner we ought to have throughout, Silva remarked.

Once we conceded first the squads spirits fell and that is not acceptable.

On Sunday evening, fifth placed Real Betis face Getafe. The previous day, La Liga frontrunners Barcelona extended their lead over Real Madrid to four points atop the standings via a 1-0 success at Athletic Bilbao.