Elche vs Real Madrid: Mourinho’s side target a fifth league victory

Real Madrid begin a run of two consecutive away fixtures tonight when they face Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Kick-off is scheduled for 9:30 pm CEST, with José Mourinho’s team looking to collect another three points before Sunday’s derby against Atlético Madrid.

MADRID AIM TO MAINTAIN THEIR MOMENTUM

Real Madrid enter matchday six in second place with 12 points from five games. They have recorded four wins, scored 14 goals and conceded only four.

Their latest victory came against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid produced an excellent first half and eventually won 4–1, providing another demonstration of the attacking quality available to Mourinho.

Elche are still searching for their first league win of the season. Martín Anselmi’s team have collected two points, scored six goals and conceded 13. However, their 1–1 draw with Athletic Club at San Mamés offered evidence that they can remain competitive under sustained pressure.

“I would like to play well and win,” Mourinho said before the match. The Portuguese coach also stressed that Madrid’s objective is to improve with every game and every training session.

MBAPPÉ REMAINS THE MAIN THREAT

Mbappé will once again lead Madrid’s attacking challenge. The French forward scored twice against Rayo and has registered seven goals in six competitive appearances this season.

Elche cannot afford to give him room behind their defensive line. Madrid are capable of turning a single mistake into a clear chance within seconds, especially when Mbappé and Vini Jr. can attack open space.

Mourinho has praised Vini Jr. for his assists, defensive effort and contribution to the collective game. At the same time, the coach believes the Brazilian is still approaching the devastating finishing form he has previously shown in decisive matches.

Arda Güler provides another major option. The Turkish international made an outstanding impact from the bench against Rayo, and Mourinho has highlighted his vision, creativity and growing influence on the team.

TCHOUAMENI IS READY FOR MORE MINUTES

Aurélien Tchouameni has been included in the squad and is expected to play at some stage. Mourinho confirmed that the midfielder should receive more minutes than he did against Inter, although his workload will continue to be managed carefully.

Federico Valverde is also available. The midfielder was withdrawn against Rayo as a precaution after feeling a minor problem, but he has travelled with the team. Raúl Asencio and Endrick are also among the players selected for the fixture.

Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão and Rodrygo remain unavailable as they continue their respective recovery programmes.

ELCHE WANT TO DEFEND WITH THE BALL

Anselmi has made it clear that Elche do not intend to spend the entire match protecting their penalty area. He believes possession can be their best defensive weapon and wants his side to reproduce the intensity they showed at San Mamés.

That approach carries obvious risks. Mourinho has identified aggressive pressing and rapid transitions as two important features of his Madrid side. If Elche lose possession while trying to build from the back, the visitors have enough speed and precision to punish them immediately.

ONE JOB BEFORE THE DERBY

The upcoming clash with Atlético is significant, but Madrid cannot afford to look beyond Elche. The hosts may be winless, yet their draw in Bilbao showed that they can make a stronger opponent work for the result.

Madrid possess greater individual quality and far more options from the bench. A focused performance should place them in control, but the opening stages will be important. If Mourinho’s players reproduce the intensity shown in the first half against Rayo, they will have every chance of securing their fifth league win.