Elche boss Fran Escriba maintains Villarreal are still favourites following the 2-2 Copa del Rey draw between the sides at El Madrigal.
Javier Aquino’s last-gasp equaliser ensured the hosts a share of the spoils in an entertaining first-leg encounter, and Escriba is exercising caution ahead of the return at the Martinez Valero.
“At 2-1 it was a good result for us but they had a couple of chances through direct balls and managed to get a draw, but these things happen in football.
“I’m not attaching too much importance to the result. We played well, showed we wanted to win, and the team gave everything,” Escriba told the post-match Press conference.
The 48-year-old was non-committal over whether he considered it a fair result, but believes Villarreal hold the upper hand.
“In the opening 45 minutes they had more opportunities and after the break the game evened out. In the end they scored in stoppage time but we could have got a third.
“This tie is very much in the balance and it will be a very tough return leg, although I still see them as favourites,” he added.
