Rabat – League leaders Real Madrid head to the Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday to face newly promoted Elche.
The hosts sit 11th in La Liga, while Madrid arrive as clear favorites given their form and record in this fixture.
Match details
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 13)
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Elche
- Venue: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche (capacity: 33,000)
Kick-off: 9 p.m. (+1 GMT) - How to watch: Bein Sports 1 (MENA), ABC/ESPN+ (English), ESPN Deportes, Premier Sports 1.
Real Madrid Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Madrid’s defense is hit by absences. Eder Militao (groin) is out for two weeks, joining Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba (hamstring) on the sidelines. Aurelien Tchouameni and Franco Mastantuono face late fitness tests.
Available: Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fede Valverde avoided injury during the break. Jude Bellingham is fully fit.
Recent Form: Madrid leads La Liga with 31 points (10 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). They have conceded only 10 goals and Mbappé is top scorer with 13.
Predicted XI (4‑3‑1‑2): Courtois; Alexander‑Arnold, Huijsen, Asenso, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Güler; Bellingham; Vinícius, Mbappé.
Elche Team News
Injuries/Suspensions: Only Josan is out with a minor muscle issue. Pedro Bigas is back in training but may start on the bench. No suspensions. GK has a choice between Iñaki Peña and Matías Dituro, with Peña slightly favored.
Recent Form: Elche are 11th with 15 points (3 wins, 6 draws, 3 losses). They drew 1–1 with Real Sociedad last time out.
They haven’t won in La Liga since late September (3 losses, 2 draws). At home, they are unbeaten (3 wins, 3 draws), including a 1–1 draw against top‑six opposition.
What to Expect
Head-to-Head: Real Madrid dominates this matchup. They are unbeaten in 17 games against Elche. Elche’s last league win over Madrid was in the 1970s. In their most recent meeting (Feb 2023), Madrid won 4–0.
Form: Madrid’s defense is one of the best in La Liga, with only 10 goals conceded. Their attack, led by Mbappé and Vinícius, is the strongest in Spain.
Elche have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven league games. They are solid at home and still unbeaten, but Madrid’s firepower gives them the edge.
Tactics: Xabi Alonso’s Madrid build through midfield and use Alexander-Arnold for width and crosses.
They will press high and look to score early. Elche coach Sarabia is likely to set up a low block, rely on quick counters with Álvaro Rodríguez or Josan, and target set-pieces.
The first half may be tight, with Madrid expected to break Elche down later.
Safe Bets and Prediction
- Both Teams to Score: No – Elche rarely scores against top sides, and Madrid’s defense is strong.
- Total Goals: Under 2.5
- Anytime Goalscorer: Kylian Mbappé is the main pick. Vinícius Jr. is another option to score or assist.
Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Elche
