Ace Football previews the La Liga match between Elche and Real Madrid, and offers the latest stats, betting tips, and team news.
A resurgent Real Madrid hope to wrap up 2020 with a seventh victory in a row in Wednesday’s trip to Elche in La Liga.
The high-flying Whites are level on points with league leaders Atletico Madrid on 32 points from 15 games. They may have played two more matches than their city rivals, but it’s still an impressive turnaround compared to the start of December. Goal difference, meanwhile, is all that keeps Elche out of the relegation zone in 17th.
The last time these two sides met was in February 2015. Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice in the second-half to seal Real Madrid a 2-0 win, and the fourth one in succession over Elche.
After a five-year absence, however, Elche are back in La Liga and ready to make a statement against the reigning champions in southeast Spain.
Elche Form & Stats
The hosts have lost their manager Jorge Almiron to a second positive COVID-19 test. His assistant Jesus Muñoz will coach the team in place of the absent Argentine, who is understood to be faring well despite his condition.
It’s not an ideal start, but Muñoz has boldly set a target of victory in his pre-match conference. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder wants Elche to become the protagonists and to take an intelligent approach on Wednesday. Nuke Mfulu, however, could miss his fourth league in a row.
The pressure will certainly be on to pull something out of the bag. Elche had an impressive start on their return to La Liga this season, winning three of their opening five games (D1 L1) to move up to seventh in late October. Two months later, though, the hosts are winless in eight games (D5 L3) and on the brink of a relegation scrap.
Despite winning only one home game this season, Los Franjiverdes have proven tricky to break down. They’ve only conceded more than a goal in two of their seven games and have only lost twice overall (W1 D4).
Key Team Stats
- Lost 2 of their last 3 league games (D1).
- Winless in their last 8 league games (D5 L3).
- Drawn 4 of their 7 home league games (W1 L2).
- BTTS in 7 of their last 9 league games.
- Ninth-best defensive record in the league (16 goals conceded).
- Second-worst goal record in the league (12 goals scored).
Real Madrid Form & Stats
Elche may be difficult to beat at home, but Real Madrid have La Liga’s best away record on five wins in only eight games (D2 L1). It’s given them 17 points out of a possible 24 to help continue their impressive run of form.
Los Blancos, as previously mentioned, have won all their six games in all competitions. Five of them have come in La Liga, with their last four league victories ending by a two-goal margin. But considering Atletico have two games in hand, the visitors cannot afford to ease off the gas anytime soon.
Luka Modric, meanwhile, has returned to the squad after recovering from an adductor problem. Eden Hazard is also likely to play a part after failing to come off the bench in the 2-0 win against Granada on December 23, with an in-form Karim Benzema set to lead the frontline once again in Elche.
This game, along with the upcoming fixtures in January, could make a telling impact on Real Madrid’s season. They’re all matches, on paper at least, the club should win.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last 5 league games.
- Won by a 2-goal margin in their last 4 league games.
- Karim Benzema has scored 6 goals in his last 5 games in all competitions.
- Best away record in the league (W5 D2 L1).
- Conceded just 2 goals in their last 6 games in all competitions.
- Won their last 8 games against Elche.
- Scored the first goal in 12 of their 15 league games.
Team News
Elche
Out: N/A.
Doubts: Diego Gonzalez, Omenuke Mfulu.
Real Madrid
Out: Rodrygo Goes.
Doubts: N/A.
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in La Liga
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
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