Real Madrid: After a huge win against City, Real Madrid will look to keep the momentum going. Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to rotate some players to keep them fresh for the second leg against City next week, but Madrid should still have more than enough quality to deal with a team that hasn’t won a single game in 2026. On top of that, Madrid will want to erase the memory of that embarrassing result against Elche back in November during Xabi Alonso’s time at the Bernabéu. This time, Arbeloa shouldn’t allow another shock against a clearly weaker side. Elche: Elche are sweating over the fitness of John Donald and Pedro Bigas. Both are dealing with muscular issues, although Bigas seems more likely to feature after being included in Sarabia’s squad for last weekend’s trip to Villarreal. Héctor Fort, meanwhile, is ruled out with a shoulder injury. The Barcelona loanee has been sidelined since December, leaving Sarabia without one of the club’s most promising young players. Another young player who could be in the spotlight is Álvaro Rodríguez, who is expected to start up front against his former club. The 21-year-old came through La Fábrica and played for Real Madrid Castilla before leaving Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season. Martim Neto could also be in line for a rare start after impressing off the bench last weekend, when he combined with André Silva for Elche’s only goal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Match Notes: Historic Dominance: Real Madrid have never lost to Elche at the Bernabéu. In fact, they have only ever been beaten by the Spanish outfit six times in their last 54 matchups across all competitions. Elche’s 2026 form: The visitors come into the fixture without a win since the calendar flipped to 2026. Sarabia’s men have lost seven matches and drawn four over the last two and a half months. Hala Madrid!!!
Gonzalo hasn’t impressed in the last few appearances I feel, while Brahim has against City which is why I assume he starts.
Something tells me that this is the starting XI that we'll play against City. With Dani or Trent the only question mark.
Thiago before Arda, at this point, i agree ,hope he has another good game, Arda needs to be more aggressive and aware without the ball and less "safe" and take a few more risks with it, too many touches and way too many passes backwards, still prefer him closer to goal but maybe Alvaro doesn't want to play that way
Arda is only being rested for City. What do you read into that? I like Thiago and see his potential. But many people overhype him right now, chill. Let him find his rhythm. He hasn’t played sensationally yet.
Redondo's son is playing at the Bernabeu tonight. What a player his dad was. One of my all time favorites.
Espn commentator mentioned Raul Asencio was rested today so he could be fresh for the City game in UCL. That would be dumbest move Arbeloa could make. It would be tantamount to self-sabotage. Do people not understand Raul Asencio is an idiot and not a good enough player? Dude is straight garbage. Mark my words, you can quote me, if Asencio plays against City, he is guaranteed to be the reason Real Madrid concedes goals.
Arbeloa found one system that worked against City so looks like he chose to park the damn bus against Elche as well
Well, if the other players bothered make a run, Fran could have passed it long before getting knocked over.
He's not gonna start vs City. He has a muscular injury and Arbeloa didn't want to aggravate it and have 0 CBs on the bench vs City.
Team definitely on 1st gear, but at least there is little danger thus far. Give me Arda in the second half to get someone on the pitch that can initiate a transition chance
this club just doesnt care about the league,no matter what squad we have Barcelona is the favourite to win it CR7 2 leagues in 9 years ,back to back league titles only once in over 30 + years watching the league games is torture