Real Madrid faces Elche CF at the Martínez Valero stadium, a venue that celebrates its half-century of existence. The stadium seeks to regain its fortress status, key to the future of the local team. The whites arrive with momentum after two consecutive victories, including a clear 4-1 against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé was the protagonist with a double, reinforcing the positive dynamic started against Inter Milan. Nevertheless, the team must react to the defeat suffered against Real Betis, which forces them not to make mistakes in the next matches.
For their part, Elche CF has not managed to score points at home and is looking for their first victory as a local. The 1-1 draw at San Mamés against Athletic Club ended a streak of three consecutive defeats. The franjiverdes showed a more compact and competitive version, but they need to improve if they want to beat Real Madrid. Martín Anselmi’s team has Yago Santiago out injured and will probably make changes to the starting eleven, which has not yet found stability this season.
The match promises to be intense, with Real Madrid looking to maintain its winning streak and fine-tune the project before the derby against Atlético de Madrid. The white team has not lost at the Martínez Valero since 1978, although last season they were close to doing so, thanks to a goal in the last minute by Bellingham that sealed a 2-2 with controversial refereeing. The Technical Committee of Referees has appointed Jesús Gil Manzano as the main referee, while Raúl Martín González directs the video refereeing. In the starting lineup, Arda Güler could return after being a substitute, and Bellingham could rest after three full games.
Vinícius Júnior, although far from his best level, will be in the starting eleven, as will Mbappé, who has scored six goals in the league and arrives with great momentum. Elche, on the other hand, could line up with Dituro, Redondo, Sangaré and Chust in defense, with Rubén Sánchez and Revivo on the wings. ‘Fer’ Niño will be the offensive reference. The match is key: Madrid cannot give away points, and Elche needs to score to aspire to salvation. Martínez Valero, 50 years old, hopes to become a decisive stage for both teams.