Elche secured a crucial 2-1 victory at Oviedo, with early goals from Pedro Bigas and Gonzalo Villar setting the tone before Ilyas Chaira's second-half strike sealed the win.
Elche traveled to the Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere with momentum on their side. The visitors occupied 17th place with 35 points from 32 matches, while Oviedo sat second-to-last with just 28 points. Both teams needed a result to improve their league positions.
The match exploded into life within minutes. Elche struck first in the 6th minute when Pedro Bigas found the net. The early goal stunned the home crowd and set Elche on course for a strong start.
Oviedo barely had time to respond. Just ten minutes later, in the 16th minute, Gonzalo Villar doubled Elche's advantage. Villar's clinical finish left Oviedo chasing the game from an early stage.
Oviedo controlled possession throughout the first half, enjoying 60 percent of the ball. However, their attacking play lacked precision. The hosts registered 12 total shots but only four found the target. Elche's defense held firm despite the pressure.
The first half ended with Elche leading 2-0. Oviedo needed to find a way back into the contest. Manager adjustments and tactical tweaks would be essential for the second period.
The second half began with Oviedo pushing harder for goals. Nicolas Fonseca received a yellow card in the 63rd minute as tensions increased. Oviedo's desperation grew with each passing minute.
Ilyas Chaira broke Oviedo's hearts in the 76th minute with a well-taken goal. The strike appeared to have settled the match. However, the home side refused to surrender.
Oviedo pulled one back with Chaira's effort, making it 2-1. Despite their dominance, they could not find an equalizer. Elche's defense weathered the storm in the closing stages.
The statistics revealed Oviedo's attacking limitations. They managed an expected goals (xG) rating of just 1.09 compared to Elche's 0.42. Goalkeeper Matías Dituro made three crucial saves to protect the visitors' lead.
Gonzalo Villar earned a match rating of 8.3 for his composed performance. Pedro Bigas matched that standard with his early finish. Both defenders turned attackers proved decisive in the opening stages.
Gavino Valera received a late red card in the 90+5th minute. The dismissal meant Elche finished the match with ten men. The result lifts Elche to 35 points, while Oviedo remains in the relegation zone with 28 points.
This victory gives Elche breathing room in their battle for survival. Oviedo must find immediate improvement to avoid dropping further down the table.
