VILLARREAL, Spain (Interstat) — Villarreal CF opened its La Liga season with a 2-1 victory over Elche on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Estadio de la Cerámica.

Forward Tajon Buchanan gave the hosts the lead in the 31st minute. Defender Santiago Mouriño doubled the advantage with a goal in the 41st minute. Elche’s André Silva pulled one back in the 82nd minute, but Villarreal held on for the win.

Mouriño and Buchanan each scored, while Alberto Moleiro and substitute Martim Neto provided assists. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat that forecast a 1-1 draw. Villarreal began its campaign with a win, while Elche started with a loss.