Real Madrid travel to the Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday to face promoted side Elche in what promises to be a stern test for Xabi Alonso’s impressive defensive rebuild.
Madrid head into the fixture on the back of consecutive disappointing results – a 1-0 Champions League defeat at Liverpool followed by a goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Elche vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 23rd November.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, Elche.
Elche team news
Pedro Bigas is a major doubt for this match and forward Josan is also flagged as a potential doubt with similar concerns.
The main talking point surrounding Elche this week involves talented midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, who has attracted interest from several European powerhouses, including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Juventus, and Arsenal. The 20-year-old, who boasts a €20 million release clause, has impressed significantly since his professional debut and currently represents Spain at various youth levels.
Manager Eder Sarabia was adamant in his pre-match comments, stating: “He’s well equipped and surrounded. If someone wants Rodrigo, they will have to pay a lot of money, and then we will see if he leaves or not”.
Real Madrid team news
Real Madrid face significant defensive injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Eder Militao, the club’s commanding centre-back, is unlikely to feature after suffering an adductor injury during Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia in the international break. Spanish media suggests he will miss at least two weeks of action, making him a major doubt for Sunday’s clash.
Dani Carvajal remains sidelined following a knee operation and will not return until 2026, whilst Antonio Rudiger is also unavailable due to a muscular problem. These absences mean that David Alaba and Raul Asencio are expected to line up in central defence, with Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially making a start at right-back following.
The injury situation extends to midfield and attack. Kylian Mbappé is a minor doubt after leaving the France squad with an ankle inflammation, though Real Madrid consider the injury “minor” and expect the forward to be available for selection.
Eduardo Camavinga also departed the French camp with a muscular issue but is expected to feature. Aurelien Tchouameni remains a douby with a muscle problem and might not return until at least November 30 against Girona.
Positively, Thibaut Courtois, who did not play for Belgium during the international break, is expected to be fit. The Belgian goalkeeper has been exceptional this season, producing a string of crucial saves, most notably in Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Form
Elche
Eder Sarabia’s newly promoted side has proven they belong in La Liga, drawing 1-1 at home against Real Sociedad following a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona. Prior to that Barcelona encounter, Elche had shown character with a 4-0 Copa del Rey demolition of Los Garres.
Their La Liga campaign to date has yielded three wins, six draws, and three defeats, leaving them an impressive 15 points from 12 matches. Importantly, Elche remain unbeaten at home in La Liga, having won three and drawn three of their six matches at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s side ended November’s international break having won 10 of their last 11 games, with their only setbacks a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool and a goalless La Liga draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Prior to that run of disappointing results, Madrid had demonstrated remarkable consistency, notably securing a commanding 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico. The Spanish giants have won 10 consecutive home league matches—their best run since 2013.
Predicted lineups
Elche: Dituro; Nunez, Affengruber, Chust, Pedrosa; Aguado; Josan, Febas, Mendoza, Mir; A Rodriguez.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Alaba, Carreras; Camavinga, Valverde, Guler; Bellingham; Vinicius, Mbappe.
How to watch Elche vs Real Madrid?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Premier Sports 1. You can watch the match by subscribing to Premier Sports through Sky, Virgin Media, or online via the Premier Sports Player.
Read Also – Wolves boss Rob Edwards explains controversial Boro exit
See More – Man United look to negotiate deal following Sesko injury
