Elche vs Real Madrid – Match preview and team news

Elche and Real Madrid clash in a La Liga midweek fixture at Elche's Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero on Tuesday, 15th September, with a 8:30pm BST kick-off. Elche manager Martín Anselmi fields a relatively full squad, aiming for their maiden victory of the season against league leaders Real Madrid. Kevin Lomonaco, the deadline-day signing from Independiente, is included in the matchday squad and expected to make his debut.

Elche striker Fer Niño is set to lead the attack, with Facundo Buonanotte playing a key role in the creative midfield.

Real Madrid, however, field a team missing several key players due to injuries and ongoing recovery. Central defender Éder Militão is out with a hamstring injury, while left-back Ferland Mendy has a thigh issue. Forward Rodrygo is recovering from knee surgery. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Marc Cucurella are expected to join the defensive unit.

Midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler are likely to get starting opportunities. Thibaut Courtois will retain his place in goal, while the attacking trio of Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé will spearhead the front line.

Elche have struggled in their league campaign, finishing winless after five matches, sitting 19th in the table. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are in solid form, sitting second in La Liga with 12 points, having won all their domestic matches so far. Their Champions League campaign began with a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan. Predicted lineups see Elche fielding players like Sangare, Redondo, Chust, Valera, Morcillo, Villar, Moreno, Lemar, and Niño, while Real Madrid will have Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella, Valverde, Camavinga, Guler, Bellingham, Vinícius, and Mbappé on the field.