Elche 3-1 Villarreal – Betting Review
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Villarreal was a clear favourite to win against the rock-bottom club, but they never led and never looked like winning, only for a short time in patches did Villarreal play their best and look on top. Credit must be given to Elche who raised their game and out-battled their neighbour after going ahead, winning as the big outsider @ 5.25.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Elche +0.75 were a little fortunate to be ahead at the break but once it went their way going into the halftime whistle, they looked a smart bet +0.75 @ 1.98 which won comfortably after going 2 ahead early in the second period.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all, which was set at 2.5. Elche went for it more than normal, and the match was much more open than their previous encounters. This is because they played with a nothing to lose attitude and were extra motivated for the fans, who had given up on them already but cheered on the team like a party like feel with nothing to lose. This is important to note with the next couple of games on the horizon for Elche, all must win, so my view is to seek Overs if the line is low. Over 2.5 won @ 2.00.
Match Summary
Clearly extra motivated and determined not to lose to their local rivals, Elche ended their long wait for a La Liga victory, winning for just the first time in 20 matches this season by a 3-1 margin against a Villarreal side that never played their best and in the end, were embarrassed to drop 3-1 to their struggling neighbour.
Thanks to two Pere Milla penalties and his fine finish on a go-ahead goal, his hat-trick downed Villarreal on the day.
Elche needed to win to keep any slim chances to stay up, but at the very least, this impressive win kept them in with a chance to fight for survival.
There had been very little for the Elche fans to cheer about this season, with no side collecting fewer points, scoring fewer goals, or conceding as many at home before kick-off.
Elche to be fair reacted well to a near-sold-out stadium and a more positive atmosphere than normal. A welcome surprise arrived early on for the supporters, as poor Villarreal defending allowed Milla to slot in the opener and Elche to take the lead.
More disastrous defending from Villarreal allowed Elche the chance to double their lead, but Lucas Boyé shot wide soon after.
Villarreal soon woke up and took over, Gerard Moreno stepped up to find the net and level the scores with a fine touch and drive shot which went between the keepers’ legs.
With Villarreal in the ascendancy, Elche survived a massive chance when the visitor missed a 1-1, a crucial turning point in the contest.
Before halftime, Cuenca’s rash challenge on Ponce inside the area was punished with the awarding of a penalty, which was converted by Milla with the final kick of the half.
Villarreal conceded another penalty after the break, as Milla was hauled down inside the area by Baena, and another spot-kick was awarded.
Milla stepped up to bury his 3rd goal, sending Pepe Reina the wrong way from 12 yards to complete the very first hat trick of his career.
Villareal dominated the ball but never looked likely to come back to draw the match. Eclhe had the odd opening on breaks but never needed a 4th goal.
The hosts ultimately saw out the game with surprising ease, and while they still sit 11 points adrift of safety, this victory at least gives them something to build on in the coming weeks. Fair scores would be 2-1. And 3-2.
