Uche's late winner propels Villarreal over Elche

Elche: Ikechuwku Uche's stoppage-time goal propelled Villarreal to a 1-0 victory on Monday at Elche and into fourth place in the Spanish league.

Bruno Soriano miss-hit a pass into the area but the loose ball rolled to Uche inside the box to score the 90th-minute winner in a matchup of Mediterranean coast clubs at the Martinez Valero Stadium.

Villarreal's victory came at a cost, however, as Mexico striker Giovani Dos Santos limped off with a leg injury at the start of the second half. Mexico faces New Zealand in a World Cup qualifying playoff later this month.

After 12 rounds, Barcelona leads the Spanish standings with 34 points, one point clear of Atletico Madrid and six ahead of third place Real Madrid.

Newly promoted Villarreal has 23 points.