Villarreal beats Elche to stay level on points with 3rd-place Atletico in Spain as Getafe wins again

By Canadian Press on March 8, 2026.

MADRID (AP) — Villarreal beat struggling Elche 2-1 to stay level on points with third-place Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday.

First-half goals from Canada striker Tajon Buchanan and Uruguay defender Santiago Mouriño put Villarreal in control, before former AC Milan striker André Silva pulled a late goal back for Elche.

Villarreal has 54 points but Atletico is ahead on goal difference. However, the victory moved Villarreal 11 points clear of fifth-place Real Betis, which lost 2-0 at Getafe.

Defending champion Barcelona leads the Spanish league by four points from Real Madrid. Elche’s defeat left it it in 17th place.

Satriano scores again

Midtable Getafe is finding form, beating Betis at home after winning 1-0 at cross-city giant Real Madrid last Monday.

Uruguayan forward Martin Satriano followed up his superb strike against Madrid with another goal. That came after veteran midfielder Kiko Femenia had given Getafe the lead against Betis.

The 25-year-old Satriano is on loan from French club Lyon.

But an early goal from Nigeria striker Akor Adams was not enough for Sevilla as it drew 1-1 at home to Rayo Vallecano, which equalized early in the second half through Uruguayan defender Alfonso Espino.

Both sides are hovering around midtable.

In Sunday’s late game, Valencia hosted fellow struggler Alavés. ___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press

15
-14