Real Madrid Starting XI : Courtois, Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, Fran García, Thiago, Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouameni, Brahim, Vinicius.

Elche Starting XI : Dituro, Affenbruger, Chust, Petrot, Sangare, Valera, Febas, Aguado, Neto, Silva, Mir.

A thriving Real Madrid squad comes into La Liga match week 28 off an incredible win in an impactful victory against a Man City side which had the opportunity to strike fear. However, Valverde decided to etch his name which is already in the history books for Madrid with a stunning hat-trick, sending Madrid into a great position at the Etihad for the return fixture.

Shifting the attention to La Liga play, they (Madrid) currently still sit four points behind league leaders Barcelona with so much to play for. The Champions League victory over the midweek was the confidence boost this team needed as many of the key players return to full health again.

Between the likes of Eder Militao, Mbappé, Jude, and many others, this squad is about to return to their full form which will be dangerous for any team they face.

Matchweek 28 brings a struggling Elche side, just a point above relegation to the Bernabeu. With the form and confidence Arbeloa holds in his squad and his formation, Real Madrid looks poised to take all three points in this Saturday night fixture.

It was a strong starting lineup from Arbeloa with senior players starting alongside youth players

as he likes to play. They enjoy playing together in a structure that holds a 4-4-2 because they fluently play through the mid field where Thiago plays a ball forward to Gonzalo Garcia. 

It was great to see Brahim Diaz after a successful AFCON tournament. His level of play surpassed even what his strongest critics have said about him. The contributions have leveled up the club and made them dangerous at this final part of the season. 

Madrid’s pressure has been dominant as of the 30th minute. Real Madrid was able to get things started with an excellent attempt from Valvaerde. They finally broke through and it was Rudiger’s goal courtesy of a ripper from a Valverde strike that deflected off the Elche’s goalie right into Rudi’s path for a 39th minute goal.

In the 45th minute just on the stroke of halftime Valverde was able to notch a goal for Madrid before the team headed the tunnel. 

Elche came out with a fiery start in the second half as they are positioned near the bottom of the table. Fighting against possible relegation. Diaz with a prime opportunity, but put it over the net.

Another great opportunity from Vini who couldn’t wriggle his way past defenders. Then in the 65th minute a goal from Huijsen courtesy of Yanez. The stout defense of Real Madrid and the youngsters unfortunately conceded to Elche in the 84th minute after a resilient display of defense throughout much of the match.

It was a terrific day for Madrid as they pushed the gap closer to Barcelona defending their title at their home stadium. It’s been a turbulent year but Alvaro Arbeloa’s men have started to find their form after losing their previous manager Xabi Alonso.