Real Madrid faces a challenging test this Sunday at 21:00 as they visit Elche, a team yet to lose at home this season. The match marks the return of La Liga after an international break, with the Merengues eager to get back on track following a disappointing defeat against Liverpool and a lackluster draw with Rayo Vallecano. With Barcelona having secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao yesterday, Madrid must reclaim their position at the top of the table.
Elche enters this encounter boasting an impressive home record, having achieved three wins and three draws at their Martínez Valero stadium so far this season. This resilience makes them a formidable opponent for Madrid, who aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Here are ten crucial statistics that highlight the stakes of this matchup, sourced from Opta.
A Long-Standing Drought
Elche has not managed to defeat Real Madrid in La Liga for nearly 45 years. The Franjiverdes are currently on a 14-match winless streak against the capital club, with their last victory dating back to March 1978. In their previous meeting at Martínez Valero in 2022, Real secured a convincing 3-0 win thanks to goals from Federico Valverde, Karim Benzema, and Marco Asensio.
Real’s Dominance in Recent Encounters
The Merengues have enjoyed a strong record in recent visits to Elche, remaining unbeaten in their last seven encounters there. This includes six victories and one draw, marking it as their best run at this particular ground in league history. Furthermore, Elche has consistently struggled defensively against Real Madrid; in their last 20 league clashes, they have conceded goals in every match, totaling an astonishing 55 goals against them during this stretch.
Elche’s current form is concerning as they are without a win in their last five league matches—a streak that has not occurred under the same coach since 2022 when Francisco Rodríguez’s side experienced a similar slump.
Aiming for New Heights
Real Madrid’s start to the season has been commendable, accumulating 31 points from their first 12 matches. A victory tonight would propel them to 34 points, equaling their best tally after 13 games in recent seasons. This potential achievement underscores the importance of tonight’s clash as they aim to regain momentum and confidence ahead of future fixtures.
As both teams gear up for this crucial encounter, one question looms large: Can Real Madrid break Elche’s home invincibility and reclaim their rightful place at the top of La Liga? Only time will tell.
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