Well, the wait is finally over. After what felt like an eternity of an international break, club football is back, and for Real Madrid, it couldn't have come a moment sooner. The tension has been building after a couple of disappointing results—a loss to Liverpool and a draw with Rayo Vallecano—and you know how it is in Madrid. Two bad games and the word "crisis" starts getting thrown around. The team is heading to the Martínez Valero to face Elche CF with one clear mission: get the win and calm things down.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Xabi Alonso rolls the dice with a highly experimental lineup against Elche.
- ✓ In a major surprise, both Vinicius Jr. and Fede Valverde will start from the bench. Analysts note that
- ✓ Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the starting eleven and confirmed to be 100% fit.
- ✓ Real Madrid has a dominant historical record at the Martínez Valero, remaining unbeaten there this century.
- ✓ The team is grappling with an injury crisis, with key players like Tchouameni and Militao sidelined.
A Lineup That Has Everyone Talking
If you were expecting a straightforward return to action, think again. Xabi Alonso has dropped an eleven that has certainly raised some eyebrows. With a shortage of available center-backs, he's basically had to invent a solution. Youngster Álvaro Carreras is set to start as a third central defender on the left, which is a massive show of faith and a bit of a gamble. This tactical shuffle means Fran García takes over the entire left flank, a huge opportunity for him since this is only his second start of the season.
On the other side, there's some fantastic news. Industry experts suggest that The English powerhouse, Trent, is back. Xabi Alonso himself confirmed it in his press conference, stating that the break was used to get him fully up to speed. "Sin duda que este parón lo hemos utilizado con Trent para poder entrenar más, tanto individual como colectivamente, para ponerse más a punto después de las lesiones que tuvo," Alonso explained. Having him back at his best opens up a lot more options, especially after seeing Fede Valverde fill in that role against Rayo.
But here's the real shocker: both Fede Valverde and Vinicius Jr. are on the bench. That's right. Instead, Vini's compatriot, Rodrygo, gets the nod to start alongside Mbappé up front. It's a bold move from the manager, and one that he's addressed by trying to play down its significance. Still, seeing one of the team's most electric players start on the sidelines is a major talking point ahead of this crucial LaLiga EA Sports clash.
A Midfield Conundrum and a Golden Opportunity
The surprises didn't stop in attack. With Tchouameni officially not making the trip to Elche, the big question was who would step into that crucial defensive midfield role. Most of us probably thought Eduardo Camavinga was the natural choice, giving him a golden opportunity to stake his claim. But Alonso has thrown another curveball.
Instead, it's Dani Ceballos who gets the start, partnering the exciting Arda Güler and, of course, the ever-present Bellingham in the middle of the park. This is being described as a "nueva prueba de fuego"—another trial by fire—for Ceballos. It's a massive chance for him to prove he can be the man for the big moments, especially with the squad stretched so thin due to injuries. The creativity of Güler paired with the tenacity of Ceballos could be an interesting combination to watch.
The bench, while strong, tells a story of the current situation. Alongside Vinicius and Valverde, you have players like Camavinga, Endrick, Brahim, and Mendy waiting in the wings. Alonso will need to manage his resources carefully, especially with a packed schedule looming after this weekend. Every decision feels weighted with extra importance right now.
The Injury Bug Bites Again
Let's be honest, the international break was brutal for Real Madrid's medical staff. Analysts note that The team is navigating a minefield of injuries. We learned that Militao picked up an injury with Brazil that will keep him out for about two weeks. While not a long-term disaster, his absence is definitely felt. He joins Tchouaméni, Rudiger, and Mastantuono, who also aren't expected to be available for the match.
There were other scares, too. Market evidence demonstrates that Huijsen and Camavinga both returned early from their international duties without playing, while Mbappé gave everyone a fright when he was substituted with renewed discomfort in his troublesome ankle. Thankfully, it seems those three will be fit enough to be involved against Elche, but it just highlights the tightrope Alonso is walking with his squad's fitness.
History Favors the Brave
Despite the recent stumbles and the lengthy injury list, there's plenty of reason for optimism heading into this game. When it comes to visiting the Martínez Valero, Real Madrid has been almost flawless. In fact, the club hasn't lost at Elche's home ground in the entire 21st century. That’s a pretty incredible statistic to carry into a high-pressure match.
Looking back at the records, Madrid has played there six times since 2000, coming away with five wins and just a single draw. That lone draw happened back in the 20/21 season, a 1-1 result. Otherwise, it's been a happy hunting ground. The victories came in 13/14 (1-2), 14/15 (0-2), and 21/22, where they won 1-2 in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
The most recent trip, back in the 22/23 season, ended in a dominant 0-3 victory. What’s wild about that game is that VAR actually chalked off three other Madrid goals—two from Benzema and one from Alaba. Even so, goals from Fede Valverde, Asensio, and Benzema secured a comfortable win. History is firmly on Madrid's side, and they'll be hoping that psychological edge plays a role. Analysts note that As for Elche, Eder Sarabia's side hasn't won since September 28th, but their strong start to the season means they're sitting comfortably in the table, ready to cause an upset.
Conclusion
So, the stage is set for a fascinating encounter. Real Madrid arrives at the Martínez Valero under a cloud of pressure, needing what feels like a "sanadora" or healing victory. Xabi Alonso has responded to the team's injury crisis and recent form with a brave, unpredictable lineup that sees stars like Vinicius Jr. benched and players like Ceballos and Carreras given huge responsibilities. While the injury list is concerning, the return of a fully fit Trent and an impeccable historical record at this stadium provide strong reasons for confidence. The bottom line is, this is more than just a game for three points; it's a chance to silence the critics and get the season firmly back on track.
