A "happy" Villar wary of a "wounded" Valencia

Elche midfielder Villar expects Valencia to bounce back strongly after their recent setback, warning his side faces a tough test on Sunday.

Elche midfielder Gonzalo Villar addressed the media ahead of Sunday's regional derby against Valencia at Martínez Valero, expecting a wounded but dangerous opponent. "They had three points in their heads last matchday, but in ten minutes it all falls apart. I expect them with more desire and even more dangerous," Villar said, reflecting on Valencia's recent collapse.

Villar acknowledged Valencia as "one of the best clubs in Spanish history" despite their current struggles, but emphasized the importance of the fixture for Elche's survival push. "Winning against Valencia would give us three more points of difference and the head-to-head advantage," he noted. The midfielder also highlighted the need to take the lead early, as comebacks are rare in La Liga.

Villar expressed happiness with his current role at Elche, the club where he developed as a youth player. He also praised teammate Thomas Lemar's quality and dismissed concerns over a potential cup protest regarding Eze Ponce's eligibility, saying the club's legal team would handle it.