Saturday's La Liga clash at the Jose Zorrilla pitted relegation-threatened Real Valladolid against Elche.
The away side led 1-0 at the interval following a finish from Coro inside the box.
Elche had their second with 25 minutes remaining when Manu del Moral converted following a scramble inside the box.
Valladolid cut the deficit through Humberto Osorio after 71 minutes, before the forward added his second late on to secure a point.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live La Liga commentaries comes from the Jose Zorrilla as Real Valladolid welcome Elche. The home side have lost just two of their last five games in the league, but they remain in the bottom three. The visitors, meanwhile, are also locked in a relegation battle and sit just four points ahead of their opponents this afternoon.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valladolid have won two of the last four matches, with Elche winning once and the further match ending in a draw. The two sides have not met in this stadium since a Segunda Division clash in June 2011, when Valladolid picked up all three points with a 1-0 win.
TEAMS:
VALLADOLID: Marino; Rukavina, Rueda, Mitrovic, Pena; Rubio, Rossi; Larsson, Perez, Omar; Manucho
ELCHE: Tono; Sapunaru, Botia, Pelegrin, Cisma; Gil, Perez, Marquez, Del Moral; Coro, Herrera
So there we have it. No Javi Guerra in the Valladolid XI this afternoon as the striker reportedly nears a move away from the club. That means a start for former Manchester United forward Manucho. Elche, meanwhile, leave Richmond Boakye and Carlos Sanchez on the bench, but Cristian Herrera and Carles Gil are both in the first XI.
¡El Elche ya calienta sobre el césped del José Zorrilla! ¡Vamos chicos! #ElcheCF #YoConfio #ECFLive pic.twitter.com/CTYNHJCsO5
— Elche Club de Fútbol (@elchecfoficial) February 9, 2014
It has been a difficult campaign for Valladolid with just 20 points from their 22 matches leaving them in 18th position in the table. They have won just four times in La Liga this season, losing 10 matches in the process. However, due to the closeness in the bottom half of the table, they are just five points from 11th position.
Valladolid's home form has been fairly solid in relation to the teams around them with three wins from their 10 matches, losing just three times in the process. However, they have really struggled on their travels with one win from 12, losing seven times during that run of games. You just get the feeling that their results in this stadium will decide their fate.
Goals have not been too much of a problem for Valladolid this season with 24 in their 22 matches, but 11 of those have come from Javi Guerra. Elche, meanwhile, have netted 20 times. Down the other end, Valladolid have conceded 37 times, keeping seven clean sheets in the process, while Elche have conceded 32, which is just four more than fourth-place Athletic Bilbao.
Elche have won two of their last three games in the league with three points against Almeria last weekend moving them into 15th position in the table, but they have since dropped to 17th. They have won six of their 22 matches this season, losing 10 times in the process. Another victory this afternoon could open up a healthy gap on the bottom three.
Elche's home form has been fairly strong in relation to the teams around them with four wins and three draws from their 12 matches. However, they have won just twice on their travels, losing five times in the process. Worryingly, Elche have scored none and conceded eight times in their last two away matches in La Liga.
PREDICTION: The loss of Guerra to this Valladolid team is a major blow. Manucho comes into the attack, but you just wonder where the goals are going to come from. That said, Elche have struggled on the road in recent weeks. In truth, I am not expecting too many goals. My score prediction is a 1-1 draw at the Jose Zorrilla.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be vital. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild afternoon in Spain.
Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. It has been a bright start from Valladolid with Larsson and Rubio exchanging passes on the edge of the Elche box, but Cisma is across to clear at the vital moment. Elche chasing shadows in the early exchanges.
Valladolid continue to force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Rubio has one deflected wide of the post before Tono comes to claim under pressure from Manucho. Elche break down the other end with Gil, but the Spaniard cannot find the run of Herrera in the final third.
The home side threaten once more as Manucho collects possession outside the box before feeding Rubio, but the Spaniard cannot take it in his stride. Manu del Moral threatens with a deep cross for Elche moments later, but Marino is on hand to collect. End-to-end football with six minutes on the clock at the Jose Zorrilla.
Half-chance for Valladolid as Larsson finds some space inside the Elche box before attempting to move past Pelegrin, but the Spanish centre-back stands strong. No real chances for either side thus far, but the signs are strong with both prepared to commit numbers in the final third.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challengers. The set-piece count continues to rise as Valladolid deliver another corner towards the near post, but Tono is on hand to collect. Not much of an atmosphere inside the stadium with 11 minutes on the clock.
The surface water on the pitch is making it difficult for both teams to quicken their passing in the final third, but Elche have started to warm to their task. Coro delivers a deep cross towards the Valladolid goal moments later, but Herrera cannot make contact. Still goalless at the Jose Zorrilla.
Another half-chance for Valladolid as Rubio delivers a dangerous free kick into the Elche box, but Tono punches clear. It falls for Manucho moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about, however, with Herrera left isolated in the final third.
Elche are forced into a change as Fidel enters the field in place of Gil, who has been struggling in the last couple of moments. That is a blow for the away side. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match.
Well, 20 minutes played and in truth, not too much has happened. The conditions are making it difficult, but neither side has created a clear opening thus far. Valladolid dominated possession in the early moments, but Elche have just started to enjoy more of the ball in the final third. We are in need of some inspiration.
It's bright work from Manu del Moral as the Elche forward drives down the left before drilling a low cross into the box, but Marino is on hand to collect. Valladolid break with Rubio moments later, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That has been the story of the first period thus far.
Plenty of intent from the home side as they continue to force numbers into the final third, but the ball has bounced off Manucho too often in the opening 24 minutes. Rossi threatens with an effort from outside the box moments later, but Cisma is on hand to make a fine block. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.
Valladolid continue to deliver high balls into the box, but the likes of Botia and Cisma have been impressive thus far. Manu has an effort down the other end moments later, but his effort is wide of the post. We are in need of some inspiration here there is no question about that.
I would love to be able to say that there have been a number of chances in the last couple of moments, but that has not been the case. Valladolid continue to commit players in the final third, but Elche have been comfortable thus far. We still wait for the first real chance of the match with 29 minutes on the clock.
It is the type of match where the first goal could be all-important. Valladolid continue to press, but Elche are a threat in the final third. The home supporters are doing their best to raise the atmosphere, but they have not had too much to get excited about thus far.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-1 Elche (Coro)
Elche take the lead after 34 minutes as Coro latches onto a loose ball inside the box before firing one into the bottom corner. In truth, it is the first time that they have threatened.
Whistles from the home crowd, which is not going to help Valladolid at this stage of proceedings. The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments following a number of late challenges in the middle of the park.
The Elche supporters are in fine voice at the moment, but their side are coming under serious pressure. Manucho tries his luck from outside the box after collecting a pass from Rossi, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Coro has a half-chance for the away side as he strikes one from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Not too much football remaining in the first period.
Half-chance for the home side as Larsson finds some space outside the Elche box, but the Swede cannot move away from Cisma at the vital moment. In truth, it has been a half of football that has lacked any sort of quality.
HALF TIME: Valladolid 0-1 Elche
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Elche leading courtesy of a close-range finish from Coro. In truth, it has been a half lacking in quality with neither side creating too much in the final third. Let's hope for more entertainment in the second period.
STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had two attempts, neither of which have been on target. The fact that Elche have scored with the only attempt on target from both sides is an indication of the first period. The intensity just has to be better in the second 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH: Valladolid have a number of attacking players on their bench this afternoon in the shape of Osorio, Rama and recent signing Jeffren. Meanwhile, Elche have options in the shape of Mantecon, Boakye and Carlos Sanchez.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in terms of the final result. Let's hope for more entertainment in the second 45 minutes. Elche get the action underway.
One change for the home side at the interval and it is a debut for Jeffren, who enters the field in place of Perez. Bright start to the half from Valladolid as Rossi drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Jeffren cannot make contact under pressure from Cisma.
Scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the pitch not helping the tempo. The referee, meanwhile, has been forced to make a number of decisions following a series of late challenges. It remains 1-0 Elche with 50 minutes on the clock in this La Liga encounter.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Valladolid have the ball in the back of the net as Manucho converts from close range, but the offside flag is raised. Much better play down the right from Omar, but Elche remain in the lead.
CHANCE! Valladolid come close to levelling as Rubio strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it just moves wide of the post. Much better from the home side, who continue to force the issue in the second period.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last couple of moments, but there is more intensity to both sides in the final third. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Valladolid to level as Rukavina finds himself unmarked inside the Elche box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar from close range. Elche just cannot get out of their own half at the moment.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Elche have not really featured in the second period, but they still have the lead. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for the home side as Rukavina finds some space inside the box before setting up Larsson, but his effort is deflected wide of the post. The home side are getting closer, but they just cannot make the breakthrough.
Elche look to their bench for the first time as Rivera replaces Herrera. That is a very defensive change. Valladolid continue to force the issue in wide areas as Larsson delivers a deep cross towards Rossi, but Tono is on hand to collect at the vital moment.
GOAL! Valladolid 0-2 Elche (Manu del Moral)
Elche have their second of the match with little more than 20 minutes remaining as Manu del Moral converts from close range following a scramble inside the box.
Valladolid have dominated the second period, but find themselves 2-0 behind. Rossi has a half-chance for the home side moments later as he finds some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Valladolid look to their bench as Osorio replaces Larsson for the final stages of this match. If Valladolid can score in the next five minutes or so, then you would fancy them to take a point. However, everything is going Elche's way at the moment.
GOAL! Valladolid 1-2 Elche (Osorio)
Wow! Valladolid have a route back into this match as Osorio finds some space on the edge of the box before curling one into the top corner. Brilliant from the substitute.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Elche to score their third as Manu del Moral breaks into the Valladolid box, but his effort is straight at Marino from close range. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments with Elche keeping hold of the ball in the final third. Coro delivers a dangerous cross into the Valladolid box moments later, but Marino is on hand to make the block. Little under 15 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.
GOAL! Valladolid 2-2 Elche (Osorio)
Wow! Valladolid level and it is Osorio with his second as the forward heads home from close range. Is there a winner?
It does not look too good for Jeffren as the Valladolid midfielder hits the deck following a through pass. It does not appear that the former Barcelona attacker will be able to continue this evening. Valladolid have made all three changes and will therefore have to play with 10 men.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few moments due to a number of late challenges. In truth, not too much happened in the first period, but the second half has been just brilliant.
The rain continues to fall as Valladolid break forward through Manucho, but his cross cannot find the head of Osorio, who has had some impact on this match. Little under five minutes of this La Liga contest remaining. It has been just pulsating.
Elche look to their bench for the third and final time as Mantecon enters the field in place of Marquez, who has been impressive this evening. You just get the feeling that there will be one last big chance in this match.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the first of those. Not too much to report in terms of chances, but Valladolid have possession of the ball.
FULL TIME: Valladolid 2-2 Elche
So there we have it. Valladolid and Elche share the points in a four-goal thriller. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Sociedad against Levante. Until then!
