Elche v real madrid preview
Newly promoted Elche have surprised few people with their return to the top flight and they aim to take their biggest challenge but tomorrow is when Madrid come.
Eder Sarabia’s side sit 11th in La Liga and are yet to lose at their Estadio MartÃnez Valero.
Sarabia is reasonable about the long-term ambitions of the two clubs but is confident the current league leaders will not have it all their own way tomorrow.
He said: “As we said on the day of the Barcelona match, they will probably finish ahead of us in La Liga.
“It’s normal for them to win a lot… But in one game, in front of our fans, with our weapons and determination, of course, it’s possible.
“We’re going to stand up to them and make things difficult for them. We have the tools to do that.
“We’re going to need almost a perfect game, and we believe we can do it. We’re in good shape, both individually and we’ve got everybody, and we’ve got all our players back.
“We will give it all to achieve something historic.”
Asked where Madrid’s intelligence is killing, he added: “[Kylian] MBAPPE is definitely a player to watch out for because of his accuracy in front of goal, but they are all very good. I think Vinicius Jr is amazing.
“As for the soft spot… I think Arda Guler is a great player.”
Madrid’s lead in the conference was cut to three points following a draw at Rayo Vallecano before the international break, followed by Liverpool in the Champions League.
Xabi Alonso has been widely praised for the work he has done so far at the Bernabeu but a win here and the Madrid Press will begin to put pressure on the Spain forward.
Elche v Real Madrid team news
Pedro Bigas is likely to miss the home team.
Madrid are definitely without Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal. Dean Huijsen is expected to be ready to balance Raul Asencio in the heart of the backline.
Franco Mastantuno and Aurelien Tchouameni could return to the bench.
Elche v Real Madrid predicted line-up
Elche: Dituro; Nunez, Acsengruber, Crust, Pedrosa; Aguado; Josan, Febas, Mendoza, Mir; Rodriguez
Real Madrid: CourCoos; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijen, Carreras; Camavinga, Valverde, Guler; Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Mbappe
How to watch Elche V Real Madrid: TV and streams online
Elche Versus Real Madrid kicks off at 8PM UK tomorrow night. You can watch it on Premier Sports 1.
Elche v real madrid statistics
- Elche have not won in La Liga since the end of September
- Elche did not beat the real MADRID since 1978
- Madrid have won 35 of the 53 meetings between the two clubs
