East Elche CF, not carbohydrates. Franjiverdes suffered their third defeat of the season in four games as rivals closed in—Betis, Real Sociedad and Villarreal looming. It might even make sense to consider the bigger picture. Yet what stood out yesterday was the image of a team that looked harmless and soulless in front of the yellow submarine; a sight that raises questions about their ability to climb away from the relegation zone.
As if that weren’t enough, Francisco’s opening plan created more questions than answers. The green-and-white coach cannot yet find the key to a tactical approach that brings balance, heightens pressure, defends with certainty, and, above all, harms opponents.
The Almería coach opted for a four-man defense with necessary flank changes. Carlos Clerc played the early minutes in place of Helibelton Palacios, while Mojica came in on the right for the injured Pol Lirola, watching the match from the bench of his new club.
He chose a mixed defense with Francisco, with Helibelton tasked with marking Lo Celso and tracking the Argentine whenever he drifted into the middle. Another change in the starting lineup saw Guti pressing Parejo to prevent him from receiving, while Lucas Boyé and Roger Martí started on opposite flanks. The Argentine, in particular, looked well short of his peak form and fitness.
Elche began by sitting deep, inviting the yellow submarine to build from the back with Raul Albiol and Pau Torres orchestrating the play as they sought to win the ball and hit on the counter. Álex Collado lined up on the left, where Yeremy Pino and Kiko Femenía found a clear route to attack. Tete Morente endured ongoing pressure from Pedraza, and Helibelton found himself out of position chasing Lo Celso.
One of Emery’s strengths is patience in keeping possession; yet Villarreal pressed Elche effectively. Edgar Badía denied the first two attempts with a defensive unit anchored by Pedraza and a save against Jackson. The match’s opening moment belonged to Gerard Moreno, who initially had a goal ruled out before scoring later in the same attack sequence to give Villarreal a lead. Kiko Femenía exploited the space in his lane, sending a cross that the center forward converted, but the goal was initially disallowed before the eventual finish was counted (1-0, minute 26). Badía’s heroics held the score from widening, as he denied another clear chance for Moreno and kept Elche hopeful for a while longer. However, the hosts doubled their advantage when Lo Celso received a long ball behind the defense, and his first touch set up a clinical strike that beat Badía at the near post (2-0, minute 36).
without reaction
At the interval, the Franjiverdes coach swapped Guti for Gumbau, signaling a fresh attempt to shift momentum. Emery, with a clear margin, decided to shift his team toward a more strategic, Europe-facing approach on Thursday against Lech Poznań. Elche, meanwhile, faced a daunting task with goal numbers not reflecting their intent as the match progressed; Rulli simply watched as the ball sailed past him on several occasions, with Elche not testing the goalkeeper in a meaningful way.
Villarreal demonstrated why they had not conceded in the first four rounds. They maintained defensive discipline and waited for Elche’s escapes to open opportunities. Chukwueze created a notable chance that was narrowly missed after the break, and Capoue also found a promising moment. Badía again proved a barrier, preventing further humiliation, but the prevailing impression was of a team struggling to threaten the rival’s back line.
Despite the rough play, a 2-0 defeat did not feel like a simple setback. In the late stages, Coquelin and Morales seized on the fatigue of the franjiverde players, pressing with renewed intent. Two more goals widened the gap and sealed a comprehensive result that left questions about Elche’s direction and prospects for improvement. The visitors’ performance left a stark image of vulnerability and a sense of urgency about the team’s ability to respond to adversity.
DATA SHEET:
VILLARREAL: Rulli, Kiko Femenia, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza, Yeremi Pino, Capoue, Parejo, Lo Celso, Gerard Moreno, Jackson. Substitutes used: Mandi, Chukwueze, Coquelin, Morales, Álex Baena.
ELCHE: Edgar Badía, Helibelton Palacios, Enzo Roco, Bigas, Clerc, Tete Morente, Mascarell, Raúl Guti, Collado, Domingos Quina, Ponce, Boyé. Substitutes used: Gumbau, Pere Milla, Roger, Josan, Morales.
GOALS: 1-0 Gerard Moreno set-piece finish, 2-0 Lo Celso with a left-footed strike, 3-0 Coquelin, 4-0 Morales in stoppage time.
REFEREE: Ortiz Arias. Villarreal warned Pere Milla and Roco; Elche cautioned for Jackson and other incidents late in the match.
EVENTS: The game was played in front of 13,915 spectators, with around a thousand Franjiverde fans in attendance as La Cerámica underwent surface work in Vila-real.