The modest club lost to Celta Vigo 1-0 at home in the Spanish league on Friday night to remain the only team without a win after 16 league matches.

The loss came after they opened the year by being eliminated in the Copa del Rey following a 1-0 defeat at third-division club Ceuta.

It was the team's third match since debuting new coach Pablo Machin. His first game was a 2-0 loss at Atletico Madrid before the end of the year.

Elche, based in the city by the same name in southeastern Spain, have lost 12 of their first 16 league games, including the last five.

Celta, who got the winner with a goal by veteran striker Iago Aspas in the fifth minute, ended an eight-game winless streak in the league. Their last victory came in October against Real Betis. They also had been eliminated in the Copa del Rey midweek.

The result lifted the Vigo club to 16th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Elche, playing in the first division for the third straight season, sit eight points behind second-to-last Sevilla, who host Getafe on Sunday.

Cadiz won at Valencia 1-0 to end a three-game winless streak in the league and move out of the relegation zone. They hadn't won since October against Atletico Madrid. Ruben Alcaraz scored the winner at Mestalla Stadium in the ninth minute.

Valencia stayed in mid-table.

Defending champions Real Madrid on Saturday will try to take sole possession of the lead when they visit Villarreal.

Madrid enter the weekend tied on points with Barcelona, but trail the Catalan club on goal difference. Barcelona have a difficult match at fourth-place Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Australian Associated Press