Verdict: Real Madrid to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Turning their attention back to La Liga action on Saturday night, Real Madrid will travel to the Spanish capital this weekend.
Real Madrid
Starting with the hosts, while Real Madrid might have an almighty job on their hands in the race to recapture their domestic crown, Los Blancos certainly claimed a famous Champions League boost earlier in the week. Eventually storming their way to a sensational 3-0 romp at home against English giants Manchester City, Alvaro Arbeloa’s superstar squad will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Knowing the importance of keeping their momentum at a red-hot high before they travel over to the blue half of Manchester next week, the Spanish icons have certainly been handed a golden opportunity on Saturday night. Despite suffering major frustration on March 2nd as they slumped to an infamous 1-0 loss against local foes Getafe, Madrid have won each of their other eight showdowns in front of their own supporters and they are rightfully installed as a landslide contender this weekend.
Real Madrid Team News
Once again missing out in midweek after sustaining a recent knee injury, Real Madrid will once again be without attacking talisman Kylian Mbappe here. Likewise, still sidelined with a hamstring issue, England international Jude Bellingham won’t play any part on Saturday night.
Despite notching an iconic first-leg Champions League hat-trick against Man City on Wednesday night, the red-hot Federico Valverde could be handed a domestic rest. Given a speedy turnaround, Arbeloa could be tempted to ring the changes this weekend.
Elche
As for the visitors, while Elche might have only made their famous La Liga return this season, Eder Sarabia’s side have a real battle on their hands on the race to keep hold of their top-flight status. Last seen falling to a 2-1 loss away at Champions League chasers Villarreal, the Valencia-based outfit find themselves at the heart of what has become a public crisis. Signing off February with another 2-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Saturday’s guests are now regarded as a standout bottom-three contender in 2026. In fact, Elche have failed to win any of their first 11 consecutive appearances since opening the New Year. Likewise, the relegation scrappers have remarkably registered just four points from any of their 13 La Liga showdowns outside of Valencia so far this season.
Elche Team News
Serving a two-match domestic suspension, former Tottenham youngster Yago Santiago should return to Elche’s travelling squad this weekend. However, dealing with a long-term shoulder injury, Barcelona loanee Hector Fort remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.
Coming off the bench and bagging a consolation strike away at Villarreal last week, one-time AC Milan striker Andre Silva could be handed a full recall. Completing a free switch last summer, former West Ham academy graduate Grady Diangana should feature in the final third.
Real Madrid vs Elche Key Factors to Consider
- When Real Madrid and Elche met for their reverse La Liga battle on November 23rd, Los Blancos were forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate in Valencia.
- However, Madrid have registered 13 points from their five historic home meetings against Elche.
- Real Madrid have won seven of their previous eight matchups in the Spanish capital.
- Elche have failed to win any of their first 11 consecutive appearances since opening the New Year.
- Saturday’s guests have remarkably registered just four points from any of their 13 La Liga showdowns outside of Valencia so far this season.
Conclusion
Putting in a stunning Champions League performance on Wednesday night as they claimed a remarkable 3-0 romp at home against Man City, Los Blancos will be demanding a repeat display here. Winning seven of their previous eight showdowns in Madrid, it is no surprise that the Spanish icons are installed as a landslide contender this weekend. Meeting a downbeat Elche squad who have failed to register a single victory across any format since opening the New Year, Arbeola’s superstar squad will know the importance of making an essential domestic statement on Saturday.
Verdict: Real Madrid to score in both halves
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet