The set-pieces: Elche 2-3 Real Madrid

On September 15, 2026, in a LaLiga EA Sports match between Elche CF and Real Madrid at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero in Elche, Spain, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a score of 3-2. The pivotal factor in the game was their superior set-piece threat.

Real Madrid generated 0.23 npxG from set-pieces, compared to Elche's virtually non-existent contribution. Neither side managed to score from dead-ball situations. Elche managed three attacking free kicks and two corners throughout the game, but none resulted in a shot. Their two deliveries were mostly directed centrally, which was their most frequent delivery location.

During the match, Elche had three attacking restarts, but they failed to convert any of them into shots. On the other hand, Real Madrid had nine attacking free kicks and five corners, resulting in five shots. Dead-ball opportunities accounted for 0.23 of their 2.82 npxG for the match. Two of these attempts were made after the initial contact, while three occurred within the first phase of play.

Trent Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role as he made four deliveries, three of which led to a shot. From Real Madrid's side, five deliveries were sent centrally, their preferred delivery location. Arda Güler contributed two of their five attempts. With the game tied, Real Madrid exhibited a strong set-piece performance, registering five attacking restarts, resulting in two shots. Their set-piece shooting return consisted of two attempts before halftime and three in the second half.