This was a tightly contested Segunda Division match on 10th March 2024, where Elche CF bagged a crucial away win against Villarreal B, with a hard-fought 1-0 scoreline. The only goal of the match came early in the first half at 14:47, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

In comparison, the major contrast between the two teams came through when it came to discipline. Elche CF's challenging play could be seen with five yellow cards to their name, compared to the home team's two. The particularly intense confrontations in the second half saw Elche CF receive three yellow cards in quick succession, whilst Villarreal B picked up two within a three-minute window. Nevertheless, neither team faced a dismissal, which is commendable given the rising competitive tension.

In terms of the amount of time spent in the opponent's half, Villarreal B seemed to have been on the offensive more often, earning eight corner kicks compared to Elche's four. However, they failed to capitalize on these opportunities to change the scoreline in their favor. This could imply a well-coordinated defense on the part of Elche who successfully thwarted these threats.

However, Elche's aggressive playstyle may also be indicted by the high foul count. With Elche committing 19 fouls as compared to Villarreal's nine, Elche seemed to be engaging in a rather physical game. This could be indicative of Elche being pressed defensively, but they managed to keep their nerves under pressure, securing a clean sheet victory.

The offside count amounted to two offsides apiece for the teams. This shows that both teams actively attempted to exploit gaps in the opposing defenses, but also highlights efficient defensive lines that understood when to step up to nullify these threats.

From a tactical viewpoint, it is clear that the early goal forced Villarreal to commit more men forward, which left them exposed at the back and resulted in a high number of corner kicks. Elche, on the other hand, chose a more physical route to maintain their lead, playing a harder game, resulting in a high number of fouls and yellow cards.

Despite their competitive game, Villarreal B will be left rueing their missed opportunities particularly from the corner kicks they had won. Elche, albeit with harsh tactics, displayed stoic resilience and a solid defensive front, maintaining a slender lead to grab all three points. This victory has provided them, not only with a morale boost but also a tactical insight into future matches.

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