In a commanding performance, Real Madrid triumphed over Elche with a score of 4-1 during the 28th round of La Liga, held at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The home side’s goals came from Antonio Rüdiger (38’), Federico Valverde (44’), Dean Huijsen (65’), and Arda Güler (87’). Elche managed to score a consolation goal through Manuel Angel (84’) who inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
Valverde’s spectacular goal at the 44th minute changed the momentum of the match after an exquisite setup from Vinicius Júnior, who assisted from the semi-circle, allowing the midfielder to place the ball perfectly into the left corner of the goal defended by Matías Dituro.
Antonio Rüdiger stole the spotlight as the standout player, contributing significantly to the team’s success with one goal and vital defensive clearance of two dangerous balls.
On the defensive end, Dean Huijsen displayed impressive skills, scoring one goal, winning two tackles, and clearing four threatening attempts from the opposition.
Coach Álvaro Árbeloa deployed a 4-4-2 formation, with Thibaut Courtois between the posts, followed by a defensive line consisting of Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rüdiger, and Fran García. The midfield was filled by Aurélien Tchouaméni, Thiago Pitarch, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde, while the offensive front was led by Brahim Díaz and Vinicius Júnior.
Elche, managed by Eder Sarabia, utilized a 5-4-1 setup, with Matías Dituro protecting the goal, and a back five comprised of Aboubacar Sangaré, Víctor Chust, David Affengruber, Léo Pétrot, and Germán Valera. Their midfield consisted of Martim Neto, Aleix Febas, Federico Redondo, and Lucas Cepeda, with André Silva spearheading their attack.
Match referee Jesús Gil Manzano oversaw the action on the field at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will face Atlético de Madrid at home, gearing up for an intense Madrid Derby against their historic rivals. Meanwhile, Elche will host Mallorca in their upcoming fixture. With this victory, Real Madrid now stands at 66 points in second place, while Elche lingers at 26 points, positioned 17th in the standings.
Substitutions for Real Madrid
- 57’ 2T – Federico Valverde off for Gonzalo García; Aurélien Tchouaméni off for Daniel Yáñez
- 58’ 2T – Vinicius Júnior off for Arda Güler
- 60’ 2T – Antonio Rüdiger off for Diego Aguado
- 63’ 2T – Thiago Pitarch off for César Palacios; Brahim Díaz off for Manuel Angel; Lucas Cepeda off for Rafael Mir; Federico Redondo off for Marc Aguado; Léo Pétrot off for Josán Fernández
Substitutions for Elche
- 22’ 1T – Aboubacar Sangaré off for Adriá Pedrosa
- 73’ 2T – David Affengruber off for Pedro Bigas; Martim Neto off for Grady Diangana
Yellow Cards for Elche:
- 54’ 2T Aleix Febas (Unsportsmanlike conduct)
- 62’ 2T Germán Valera (Unsportsmanlike conduct)