Elche vs Real Madrid – News and Probable Lineups

Real Madrid aims to secure a third straight victory across all competitions when they take on Elche in Tuesday’s fixture at the Estadio Martinez Valero.

Currently, Los Blancos find themselves in the second position in La Liga, while the hosts are struggling at the bottom of the standings.

Match overview

Elche has faced a challenging start to the season, following a tumultuous summer marked by the resignation of head coach Eder Sarabia and the loss of several key players, including David Affengruber and Aleix Febas.

Former Porto and Botafogo manager Martin Anselmi was appointed to guide Elche through their second consecutive season in La Liga, yet he is already under pressure to prove his capabilities after starting with a five-match winless streak.

Following a draw against Deportivo La Coruna, Elche encountered three straight losses to Barcelona, Racing Santander, and 10-man Real Sociedad.

Los Franjiverdes seemed poised to secure their first victory of the season when Facundo Buonanotte converted a penalty in the 50th minute; however, Inaki Williams equalized just before the 80-minute mark.

While a 1-1 draw at San Mames could be seen as a decent result, Anselmi will worry about his team’s position in 19th place, having the second-worst defensive record in the league.

Anselmi has the opportunity to ease the pressure by leading Elche to their first win against Real Madrid in 48 years, though a repeat of last season’s draw at the Estadio Martinez Valero may be a more attainable goal.

Real Madrid is currently three points behind leaders Barcelona after having won four out of their five La Liga matches during Jose Mourinho’s second stint as head coach.

Los Blancos scored 10 goals over three consecutive league wins before faltering with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Real Betis, where Carlos Espi had a goal disallowed, and Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty.

The record European champions rebounded with a 2-1 victory against Mourinho’s former team Inter de Milão, marking a strong start in their quest for a 16th Champions League trophy.

Real Madrid then continued with a 4-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to a brace from Kylian Mbappe along with goals from Alvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham.

This comprehensive victory marked a third consecutive home league match where they scored four goals, contrasting their two goals over the first two away games.

Taking on an Elche team that has conceded 13 goals in five matches should provide ample opportunities for Real Madrid’s offensive talents to excel as they seek to level points with Barcelona, who play Racing on Wednesday.

Even though they battled to a 2-2 draw on their last trip to Elche, Los Blancos have managed to win six of their last eight visits to the Estadio Martinez Valero since suffering a 3-1 defeat in March 1978.

Team News

Elche winger Yago Santiago is nearing the end of his recovery from a knee operation, yet he is not expected to play before the international break.

Defender Kevin Lomonaco may make his matchday squad debut after joining from Argentinian team Independiente on transfer deadline day.

Former Atletico Madrid player Thomas Lemar could also come into Anselmi’s considerations after appearing as a substitute in the last two fixtures.

Regarding the visitors, Mourinho still cannot count on the injured trio of Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid coach could introduce Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucrella into the defense for the midweek away encounter.

Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler are also options to start if Mourinho opts for changes in midfield and attack.

Elche probable starting XI:

Dituro; Sangare, Redondo, Chust, Revivo; Valera, Morcillo, Villar, Moreno; Lemar; Child

Real Madrid probable starting XI:

Courteous; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Camavinga; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Real Madrid will be eager to prepare for Sunday’s Madrid derby with a robust display, and we believe they will accomplish this by achieving a decisive victory over an Elche side that has shown a concerning tendency to concede goals in the early weeks of the season.