Real Madrid's victory against Schalke 04 for the UEFA Champions League may be quite useful to boost a side that will need to win their match against Elche in order to keep the first place in La Liga. Their task may not be that easy, since Los Franjiverdes carry a two-game winning streak, having only lost one match out of their last five. That loss came when they visited none other than Barcelona, who destroyed them 6-0 for their only defeat in the past month.
The team led by Fran Escribá will host Los Blancos for the second time after regaining their spot in the Spanish top flight last season. Even though his men have not been able to defeat Real Madrid, the toughest match for Ancelotti's crew was held at Manuel Martinez Valero Stadium, when Los Merengues defeated Elche with a tight 2-1 score. If Elche wants to beat the odds, they will need a massive performance by Jonathas, their top scorer this season with nine goals so far. The hosts will not have Jose Angel and Pelegrin available due to injuries.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will know what they need to do to keep the first spot in La Liga's standings, since Barcelona will have already played their match against Malaga. With a series of injuries to deal with, the Italian manager is hoping that Cristiano Ronaldo shows his top game once again, since he's not been able to score a goal in La Liga since January 18th. Furthermore, Pepe and Varane will be tested once again as Los Blancos' center backs, given the absence of Sergio Ramos due to injury.
Their previous meeting this season ended up with a 5-1 victory for Real Madrid, with CR7 scoring four goals that evening, including two penalty kicks.
Elche vs. Real Madrid team sheets
Elche starting XI: Tyton; Damián Suárez, Enzo Roco, Lombán, Albacar; Aarón Ñíguez, Pasalic, Adrián, Víctor; Fajr, Jonathas
Real Madrid starting XI: Casillas; Carvajal, Pepe, Varane, Marcelo; Kroos, Lucas Silva, Isco; Bale, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid bench: Keylor Navas, Chicharito, Arbeloa, Nacho, Jese, Illarra, Medran
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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