Will the Royals end their goal drought?
For Europe’s top clubs, which are peppered with national team players, international breaks are often a source of frustration. It is clear that players who play for their country and sometimes undertake grueling journeys to do so are exposed to a higher risk of injury. In the case of Real Madrid, the recent call-ups have even caused a minor personnel crisis.
Courtois, Mbappé, Huijsen, and Eder Miltao all had to leave their national team training camps injured. Although all four professionals were probably only taken as a precaution, it is not yet possible to give a final go-ahead for their respective fitness. Because the Royal’s infirmary is also prominently and full to bursting, caution must be exercised in the Elche vs. Real Madrid tip.
The Madrid team are still clear favorites, but they failed to win or score in two consecutive games before the international break. They were unable to secure a win in the Champions League in Liverpool (0-1) and a few days later in La Liga at Rayo Vallecano (0-1).
On Sunday, coach Xabi Alonso’s team will be looking to get back on track, relying primarily on their solid defense. Ten goals conceded is the best record in the Spanish top flight. Across all competitions, only Atlético Madrid has been able to put the ball in the back of the net twice (or more) against the Galácticos, in a resounding 5-2 derby victory.
In general, a touch of conservative football has found its way into the star ensemble from the capital. Of the 13 wins since mid-August, more than half (seven) came with exactly one goal advantage. In eleven cases, Real’s three points could have been successfully combined with a maximum of four goals during the game.
Alternatively, it might also be a conceivable approach to bet that the decision will only be made after the break. This is supported, for example, by the fact that the promoted team from the province of Alicante has proven its league suitability more than once to date. “Los Franjiverdes” are in a solid eleventh place, have already collected 15 points and also have the best home defense in La Liga. They have conceded three goals in six home games. The green-striped team has not lost a single home game this season.
Elche – Real Madrid Head-to-head record
The two clubs have faced each other eleven times since 2013. During this period, Elche has lived up to its reputation as a yo-yo team. The last direct duel dates back to spring 2023, when Real Madrid won 4-0 at home thanks to a brace from Karim Benzema. Looking back at the last six encounters, it was the fifth win for Los Blancos, who have only scored more than four goals against the green-and-whites from Alicante once in their history. In Elche, three Real goals were the best they could manage. In all of the world club’s away games at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero, a maximum of three goals were scored.
Elche – Real Madrid Tip
Real Madrid is definitely not defining itself this season through spectacular, exciting football. Instead, coach Xabi Alonso’s team is impressing with its cleverness, discipline, and a maturity that is difficult to learn. Many narrow victories characterize the Madrilenians’ results, who are desperate to get back to winning ways after two games without a victory.
However, the task in Elche will not be a walk in the park. The promoted team has not lost any of its six home games and has conceded only three goals in front of its own fans. I therefore tend to think that it will once again be a test of patience for the stars from the Spanish capital. Consequently, I am betting on an away win for Elche and Real Madrid with a maximum of four goals after 90 minutes.
